EPL Update: Man City Win to Stay in Touch, Man United Cruise Past Newcastle

West Brom 1-3 Man City

Manchester City maintained pressure on leaders Chelsea after a 3-1 win at West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.

The champions, yet without a recognised striker, scored thrice in the first-half and despite a heavy snowstorm in the second-half, held out for three points to close in on leaders Chelsea by same margin of points.

Fernando pulled City ahead after goalkeeper Ben Forster dropped a Jesus Navas cross.

Yaya Toure doubled the visitors’ lead from the spot after Joleon Lescott brought down David Silva in the penalty area.

Silva added a third with a precise finish into the far corner after receiving a pass from Navas.

David Silva Scored Man City's Third Against West Brom. Image: Getty.
David Silva Scored Man City’s Third Against West Brom. Image: Getty.

Heavy snow storm deteriorated playing condition at the Hawthorns after half-time and, even Brown Ideye’s first Premier League goal was good but for consolation for the Baggies.

This was City’s ninth consecutive victory in all competitions, equaling a club record and placing them within touching distance of leaders Chelsea, who had beaten West Ham 2-0 earlier in the day.

Man United 3-1 Newcastle

Wayne Rooney scored twice in 13 minutes and Robin van Persie added a third as Manchester United got their festive schedule off to a winning start to retain third position.

Papiss Cisse stroked in from the penalty spot with just four minutes left after Phil Jones had brought down Jack Colback in the area but it was too little too late to stop the ‘Magpies’ from a third defeat in the space of two weeks.

Manchester United Trio of Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao Celebrate. mage: Getty.
Manchester United Trio of Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao Celebrate. mage: Getty.

Manchester United had complete control of the game and were hard-donned to have conceded a sloppy penalty and goal in the closing minutes.

Louis van Gaal’s men did not get off to a good start defensively, with Newcastle seeing much of the ball and movement upfront in the opening quarter, but the 20-time champions were very good on attack for much of the proceedings.

Rooney- deservedly Man-of-the-Match- anchored United’s attack with two goals and an assist. The English striker opened scoring in the 23rd minute following a Radamel Falcao’s volleyed pass, he kept his cool and then slotted home from close range.

United were 2-0 ahead 6 minutes after the half-hour mark, when Juan Mata threaded an excellent through ball to the United captain, who swept into the corner his 181st Premier League goal.

Rooney chipped a perfect ball over the top to Van Persie 8 minutes after the break for the Dutch striker to head into the corner and round off scores for the hosts.

Everton 0-1 Stoke

Sunderland 1-3 Hull

Swansea 1-0 Aston Villa

Leicester 1-2 Spurs

Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

Palace 1-3 Southampton

Arsenal 2-1 QPR