Chelsea thrash Villa to go third, United draw Swansea

Chelsea 8 - 0 Aston Villa
Chelsea are up to third in the Premier League as they routed a limp Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
A soaring header from Fernando Torres, David Luiz's dipping 20-yard free-kick and Branislav Ivanovic's simple nod-in put them out of sight before the break.
Frank Lampard's swerving effort, Ramires' cool finish, Oscar's penalty, and Eden Hazard's run and shot piled on the misery for a bedraggled Villa.
Lucas Piazon missed a penalty before Ramires slotted in in injury-time.


Swansea 1 - 1 Man Utd

Manchester United will lead the Premier League by four points going into Christmas after a frustrating draw at resolute Swansea.
Patrice Evra's header from a Robin van Persie corner put United in front.
Swansea hit back with Michu tapping in after Jonathan De Guzman's shot had been blocked by keeper David De Gea.

Van Persie reacted angrily when Ashley Williams' clearance hit him on the back of the head.
Williams lashed the ball away after 74 minutes and it struck a grounded Van Persie, who angrily squared up to the defender, with both players being booked.

Ferguson felt Van Persie was fortunate to escape serious injury.
"Robin van Persie is lucky to be alive. It was a disgraceful act from their player," Ferguson told BBC Sport.

Van Persie had gone close to grabbing a winner for his side when he looped a shot on to the crossbar and team-mate Michael Carrick also had a header tipped against the woodwork.



Wigan 0 - 1 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta's penalty secured a third consecutive Premier League victory for Arsenal for the first time since March.
Arouna Kone wasted Wigan's best chance when he broke clear in the first half and failed to hit the target.



Man City 1 - 0 Reading

Gareth Barry scored a 92nd-minute winner as Manchester City stunned Reading to close the gap on leaders Manchester United to four points.
Premier League champions City looked set to be held by the bottom-placed club before Barry rose above Nicky Shorey to head in David Silva's cross.
Barry and Carlos Tevez went close in a one-sided first half, while substitute Edin Dzeko had chances in the second.


Tottenham 0 - 0 Stoke

Tottenham missed the chance to go third in the Premier League as they were held to a goalless draw by stubborn Stoke at White Hart Lane.
Stoke, now unbeaten in eight matches, almost went ahead after 45 seconds when Kenwyne Jones shot over from 20 yards following Kyle Walker's sloppy pass.
In a game of few chances Gareth Bale headed over from six yards and Gylfi Sigurdsson's late header was saved.


Liverpool 4 - 0 Fulham

Liverpool's Stewart Downing put in an impressive display as the Reds overwhelmed a tame Fulham to move up to eighth in the Premier League.
Martin Skrtel controlled a Steven Gerrard corner and powered in a shot to put the home side in front.
Downing's piercing ball then set up Gerrard to drive in Liverpool's second.
Winger Downing cut inside and rifled in a shot for his first Premier League goal for the Reds, before Luis Suarez side-footed in to seal an emphatic win.

- BBC.co.uk