Lukaku inspires comeback win over Chelsea
ROMELU LUKAKU inspired Manchester United to a comeback win against former club Chelsea as Jose Mourinho got the better of Antonio Conte.
Yesterday’s Premier League encounter pitted the managers against each another for the first time since last month’s ugly public spat, but an engaging duel between the top-four rivals meant eyes did not stray towards the touchline.
Willian’s fine breakaway goal had Conte’s Chelsea on course for a memorable victory, only for Lukaku to level against his former club and then cross for substitute Jesse Lingard to secure United a 2-1 triumph which propelled them back into second place.
Earlier Harry Kane responded to a host of missed chances by heading the late goal that secured Tottenham’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.
The England striker spurned three earlier opportunities but retained his composure to secure all three points and strengthen Spurs’ pursuit of a top-four finish.
Kane’s late intervention came as a blow to Roy Hodgson, the manager who handed him his international debut but who is now fighting to keep Palace in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all scored as Liverpool routed West Ham 4-1 to climb into second in the table.
Newcastle squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Bournemouth as two priceless points slipped from their grasp.
Dwight Gayle’s first-half double had put the visitors in complete control and Jonjo Shelvey passed up a glorious opportunity to extend his side’s lead.
Adam Smith took full advantage when he smashed home an 80thminute drive and former Magpie Dan Gosling snatched a point at the death when he turned home Nathan Ake’s cross.
Manolo Gabbiadini came off the bench to snatch a point for Southampton as they fought back to claim a 1-1 draw at Burnley, while Jack Butland’s own goal denied Stoke a crucial victory at Leicester as the Potters left with a 1-1 draw.
Xherdan Shaqiri’s 44th-minute opener for the visitors, a fine longrange strike after an enterprising run, lit up an otherwise drab first half, and the visitors retained their lead until 20 minutes from time when Butland fumbled Marc Albrighton’s cross into his own net.
Watford moved six points clear of the bottom three after defeating Everton 1-0 at Vicarage Road.
Troy Deeney scored the only goal of the game 11 minutes from time, taking a touch before turning and firing into the roof of the net, beating Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post.