Leicester City’s entertaining win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park wasn’t just a fun way to end the Premier League day, it was a clarion call that the 2015-16 Premier League champions have their act very much together.
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That win, along with a Tottenham blowout and West Ham’s upset of Chelsea, conspired to make Saturday’s appetizers for a double derby Sunday quite tasty.
Newcastle United 2-3 Leicester City -- RECAP
A thriller at St. James’ Park ended with Leicester City now a very real part of the race for the Top Seven. Joselu put Newcastle ahead 1-0 and Dwight Gayle answered a pair of Leicester goals -- including another wonderful marker from Riyad Mahrez. But a point was not to be had for Rafa Benitez, as Ayoze Perez scored an own goal to give the Foxes all three points and eighth place in the Premier League.
Claude Puel is now 4W-2D-1L as Leicester City manager, and have won three straight. Next up? A reunion with Southampton at St. Mary’s.
West Ham United 1-0 Chelsea -- RECAP
David Moyes’ Hammers have built on their near upset of Manchester City, using a Marko Arnautovic goal to harm Chelsea’s Top Four hopes. The Austrian’s goal was his first for West Ham, and moves the club nearer to safety. Chelsea could finish the weekend as low as fourth if Liverpool wins the Merseyside Derby.
Swansea City 1-0 West Bromwich Albion -- RECAP
Wilfried Bony’s second half goal gave Paul Clement’s Swans a much-needed win and kept West Bromwich Albion winless since August.
Burnley 1-0 Watford -- RECAP
The 10-man Hornets didn’t play like they were down a man, but failed to find the answer for Scott Arfield’s opener. Burnley’s now six points clear of Watford and still in the Top Four mix.
Crystal Palace 2-2 Bournemouth -- RECAP
Christian Benteke seized a stoppage time penalty against managerial direction, and promptly saw it saved by Asmir Begovic. That left Palace in 20th instead of 18th. Bournemouth dodges a bullet thanks to a pair of solid goals from Jermain Defoe, while Palace’s goals came from a Luka Milivojevic penalty and a Scott Dann in-tight finish.
Huddersfield Town 2-0 Brighton and Hove Albion -- RECAP
Steve Mounie refound his early season form to lead the Terriers to all three points in a battle of newly-promoted sides at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 Stoke City -- RECAP
If Spurs’ slump wasn’t officially ended by a 3-0 win over APOEL Nicosia, it’s dead and buried by a four-goal blowout of Stoke City. Harry Kane scored twice while Heung-min Son and Christian Eriksen added to a Stoke own goal in the win.