EPL: Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs draw as Arsenal lose

Premier League leaders Chelsea stretched their lead at the top of the table to nine points after a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday.

David Luiz put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute from a 25-yard free-kick as the Reds keeper Simon Mignolet was still organising his wall. The home side responded in the second half when Georginio Wijnaldum headed home an equalizer in 57 minutes. Diego Costa’s penalty which was awarded after he was fouled by Joel Matip was saved from goal by Mignolet.

Liverpool, who trail Chelsea by 10 points, sent on Senegal international Sadio Mane – who had just returned from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations – for the last 15 minutes.

Tottenham had to settle for a point at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland put up a hard fight to help them climb off the bottom of the table.

Spurs dominated possession against the Black Cats with 73 per cent to their advantage, but could not make the breakthrough as the match ended goalless.

Read Also: United thump Wigan 4-0 to qualify for fifth round of FA Cup

Arsenal, on the other hand, were shocked 2-1 by Watford at the Emirates in what was supposed to be a routine Premier League victory, which now appears to have blown their hopes of winning the title this season.

The Gunners endured their worst first half at home in recent times after conceding two goals, with Aaron Ramsey taken off injured and Nacho Monreal booked for a dive in the penalty area.

Younes Kaboul lashed in the opener in 10 minutes for Watford with a shot from outside the area which deflected off Aaron Ramsey, and just about three minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead by Troy Deeney. But the hosts improved significantly in the second half and Nigeria international Alex Iwobi scored in the 58th minute.

The other results of Monday are thus: Swansea City 2-1 Southampton, Middlesbrough 1-1 West Brom, Burnley FC 1-0 Leicester City, Bournemouth 0-2 Crystal Palace.

As it stands, Chelsea continues their lead with 56 points – 9 points ahead of second- and third-placed Tottenham and Arsenal respectively – while Liverpool stay at fourth with 46.

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