27 Nov 2016

Chelsea remain top of EPL

10:28 am on 27 November 2016

Chelsea consolidated their position at the top of English football's Premier League table by defeating Tottenham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

First Manchester City and then Liverpool had taken over first place during Sunday's matches.

But it was the Blues who finished the day one point ahead again after coming from behind as Spurs lost in the league for the first time in 13 games.

Chelsea Forward Diego Costa feels pressure from Tottenham Hotspur Defender Toby Alderweireld during a Chelsea attack

Chelsea Forward Diego Costa feels pressure from Tottenham Hotspur Defender Toby Alderweireld during a Chelsea attack Photo: Photosport

Christian Eriksen fired Tottenham into the lead 10 minutes in with a fierce strike from the edge of the penalty area but that moment was to be Spurs' best.

Despite plenty of possession, the visitors could not find a second and Chelsea levelled just before halftime when Pedro cut inside from the left to curl a sublime finish past Hugo Lloris into the far left corner.

Chelsea went ahead early in the second half when, on 51 minutes, Victor Moses knocked the ball home after Diego Costa had pulled it back across the face of goal following a powerful run down the left.

Earlier, there was a dramatic finish at the Liberty Stadium where Fernando Llorente struck twice in stoppage time as Swansea completed a remarkable 5-4 win over Crystal Palace to further increase the pressure on Eagles boss Alan Pardew.

Liverpool had to work hard to secure a 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield.

Liverpool players celebrate a goal in the EPL.

Liverpool players celebrate a goal in the EPL. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Reds lost Brazilian playmaker Phillippe Coutinho after just 33 minutes to what looked like an ankle injury.

Sunderland's resistance was finally broken with 15 minutes left when his replacement Divock Origi cut inside from the left and curled a low drive into the far corner, then James Milner added a late second from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

In the first match of the day, Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City secured a 2-1 win at Burnley.

Dean Marney's first goal in the Premier League for seven years put the Clarets ahead on 14 minutes.

Aguero levelled on 37 minutes, poking the ball in at the far post, and then put the visitors ahead on the hour with a scrappy close-range finish, which was enough to secure victory.

Premier League champions Leicester snatched a 2-2 draw at home to Middlesbrough with a stoppage-time penalty from Islam Slimani, while Hull and West Brom played out a dull 1-1 draw.

- AAP