If yesterday was a good day for Manchester, then today was an even better day for London as Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all picked up important wins.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Newcastle meant that the Gunners will begin 2014 at the top of the Premier League. return to the top of the Premier League table.
Oliver Giroud’s first goal since 23 November was enough to give Arsenal all three points and move them a point ahead of second placed Man City. This was a plucky defensive performance by Arsenal, who needed some good saves from Wojciech Szczesny to preserve the win.
Two points adrift of Arsenal are Chelsea, who beat Liverpool 2-1 in a thrilling game at Stamford Bridge. Martin Škrtel put Brendan Rodgers side in front after just three minutes, but goals from Eden Hazard started and Samuel Eto’o gave Chelsea the half-time lead.
After showing adventure and attacking intent in the first half to get back into the game, Jose Mourinho reverted to his conservative self in the second half and stopped Liverpool getting any rhythm to their attack.
Referee Howard Webb was at the center of controversy again as Liverpool had two strong shouts for a penalty turned down in the second half as they pressed for an equalizer.
The defeat dropped Liverpool, who were top of the table at Christmas, down into fifth, one point behind Merseyside rivals Everton, who beat Southampton 2-1 thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s first goal in six league appearances.
Finally Tim Sherwood seems to be having quite the effect on Tottenham Hotspur as Spurs scored three times for the second time under Sherwood to beat Stoke City 3-0. Sherwood has changed Spurs formation going with Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado up-front and the move is paying off.
