Liverpool moved seven points clear at the top of the English Premier football League with a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Brighton.
Jurgen Klopp's side did not manage a shot on target in the first half, but were ahead early in the second after Pascal Gross fouled Mohamed Salah in the area and the Egyptian fired in the spot-kick.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Victory extended Liverpool's advantage at the summit ahead of third-placed Tottenham's match with Manchester United tomorrow and second-placed Manchester City's meeting with Wolves on Monday.
Skilful finishes from Pedro and Willian earned Chelsea a 2-1 win over battling Newcastle, keeping the London side fourth, just a point behind rivals Spurs.
A pinpoint lofted pass from David Luiz in the ninth minute found Pedro and the Spain forward deftly chipped the ball over Martin Dubravka into the net.
Despite Chelsea's overwhelming possession, Ciaran Clark equalised for Newcastle from a corner in the 40th minute, squeezing his header inside Kepa Arrizabalaga's right post.
But Chelsea, though often frustrated by a massed Newcastle defence, found a winner in the 57th minute when Eden Hazard forced his way down the middle and laid off the ball to Willian who curled an exquisite shot into the top corner of Dubravka's goal.
Manchester United United will start their match with their eye on fifth place after Arsenal slumped to a 1-0 defeat at West Ham in the lunch-time kick-off.
Declan Rice's first goal for the Hammers saw his side earn just their second league win over the Gunners in 22 games.
The 19-year-old capitalised on a poor Arsenal clearing header by sending a shot into the top corner early in the second half.
Former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri, rebuilding his career at West Ham after a doping ban, was at the heart of much of West Ham's best work on his Premier League debut for the club.
It was the Frenchman's neat lay-off that allowed 19-year-old midfielder Rice the space to curl a superb shot past Bernd Leno.
West Ham coach Manuel Pellegrini believes Rice is becoming the "complete player".
"He is improving in every game," Pellegrini said.
"He has showed good technique and good in aerial duels, I think we are seeing the complete player. At 19 years old, I am sure we will see a top, top player."
Burnley recorded a fourth straight win in all competitions as they came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 courtesy of a pair of own goals at Turf Moor.
Andre Schurrle fired Fulham ahead just two minutes in with a stunning strike which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
But, just after Chris Wood had struck a post for the hosts, they were level in the 20th minute when Jeff Hendrick's shot deflected off Joe Bryan to find the net.
And three minutes later they were ahead as another Hendrick shot this time deflected off Denis Odoi to beat Sergio Rico.
Watford struck a post twice in the opening five minutes against Crystal Palace and their failure to score looked like costing them dear seven minutes before the break when a goalmouth scramble ended with a Craig Cathcart own goal.
But Cathcart made amends in the 67th minute when he scored at the other end to level and seven minutes later Tom Cleverley smashed a loose ball into the top corner to set Watford on their way to a 2-1 victory.
Southampton climbed out of the drop zone as they hung on for a 2-1 away win at Leicester.
James Ward-Prowse put the Saints ahead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute after Shane Long was brought down by Nampalys Mendy.
The Foxes were handed a lifeline when Southampton defender Yan Valery was sent off shortly before the break, collecting his second yellow card after jumping in on Mark Albrighton.
But in first-half stoppage time Long made it 2-0 to Saints after pressuring Mendy and firing beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
Wilfried Ndidi got Leicester back in it just before the hour mark, bundling home from close range, but Southampton saw the game out.
It finished goalless between Cardiff and Huddersfield, with Huddersfield angered late on when referee Lee Mason initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Florent Hadergjonaj, only to change his mind after talking to his assistant.
-AAP
