New Delhi:
Manchester City were left with 32 points - Pep Guardiola’s lowest haul after 16 matches in 11 years in top-flight management - after losing 1-2 to Manchester United in the high profile derby in Premier League. Meanwhile, Liverpool beat Bournemouth 3-0 to secure the Christmas number one spot. Liverpool took advantage of playing before their closest rivals to widen the gulf at the top of the table to 11 points, meaning they cannot be caught by December 25. Second-placed Leicester are in action on Sunday away to Aston Villa, while struggling Arsenal travel to West Ham the following day.
In other matches, Jose Mourinho's Tottenham blitzed Burnley 5-0 to climb to fifth in table while interim boss Duncan Ferguson lifted Everton's spirits, condemning Chelsea to their third Premier League defeat in four matches. Watford, who appointed former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson as their new manager on Friday, were unable to force their second win of the season, drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace.
Setback For City
Manchester City were firm favourites to win the derby but their hopes of winning the Premier League title for a record-equalling third time in succession were left in doubt after the losing to their crosstown rivals, Manchester United. City now lag 14 points behind Liverpool. In the history of English top-flight football no team has ever won the title after being 14 points behind the league leaders.
Rampant Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp, mindful of a fixture pile-up for his side, made seven changes from the 5-2 midweek victory against Everton, with Sadio Mane dropping to the bench and Alisson Becker back in goal following suspension. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring for the European champions in the 35th minute after poking home Jordan Henderson's long ball, moments after Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake left the pitch injured.
Liverpool made it 2-0 just before the break when Naby Keita played a fine one-two with Mohamed Salah and finished from close range, with Keita turning provider for Salah in the 54th minute.
Son Stunner For Spurs
Spurs lost their first match under new boss Mourinho at Old Trafford in midweek but flew out of the blocks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Harry Kane put them ahead with his 14th goal of the season in the fourth minute and Spurs doubled their lead when Lucas Moura tapped home at the far post following a goalmouth scramble.
Son Heung-min added a third with a brilliant solo effort shortly after the half-hour, running from deep in his own half before slotting past goalkeeper Nick Pope. Kane made it 4-0 in the 54th minute with his second goal of the game and turned provider for Moussa Sissoko to score Spurs' fifth.
Spurs are still six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea but will fancy their chances of closing the gap on their London rivals, who are stumbling after a six-game winning run earlier in the season.
Chelsea Lose
Everton made it a miserable day for Frank Lampard thanks to an early strike from Brazil forward Richarlison and two goals from England under-21 international Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Mateo Kovacic scored his first Premier League goal to pull the score back to 2-1 but the Toffees wrapped up victory six minutes from time, Calvert-Lewin latching on to a loose ball in the box to finish underneath Kepa Arrizabalaga.
