City regain top spot after win over Everton
Manchester City swept back to the top of the Premier League as Gabriel Jesus struck twice in the champions’ 3-1 win over Everton, while Christian Eriksen kept Tottenham in the title hunt in a last-gasp 1-0 victory against Burnley on Saturday.
Jesus hadn’t scored a Premier League goal since August, but the Brazilian striker ended that drought to put Everton to the sword at the Etihad Stadium.
The 21-year-old’s goals and a strike from Raheem Sterling put City two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp’s team would regain top spot should they have beaten bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
City coach Pep Guardiola, whose team had surrendered pole position with their loss at Chelsea last weekend, was pleased to see Jesus get back on track.
“It is so important for him, strikers need to score goals,” said Guardiola.
At Wembley, Tottenham left it until stoppage-time before finally breaking Burnley’s stubborn resistance as the north London club moved within five points of the leaders.
Eriksen came on in the second half and he provided the match-winning moment with a clipped finish after Fernando Llorente and Harry Kane battered down the Burnley barricades in the 90th minute.
Eriksen’s winner capped a fine few days for Tottenham, who qualified for the Champions League last 16 in midweek after drawing 1-1 at Barcelona.
West Ham’s fourth straight win moved Manuel Pellegrini’s side into ninth and inflicted more pain on bottom club Fulham as Robert Snodgrass and Michail Antonio struck in the opening half-hour for a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.
Watford are just behind the Hammers on goal-difference thanks to a stylish 3-2 win over Cardiff at Vicarage Road.
Newcastle also eased their relegation worries with 1-0 victory at Huddersfield, who remain in the bottom three. –