Blues’ unbeaten run comes to an end in Swansea

CHELSEA’S unbeaten league run under Guus Hiddink finally came to an end as Swansea ran out 1-0 winners at the Liberty Stadium.

It was the Welsh side’s first-ever Premier League win over the Blues, who remain in 10th.

The only goal of the game came in the 25th minute as Gylfi Sigurdsson fired home from man-of-the-match Jefferson Montero’s cross to move his team 13 points clear of the relegation zone and on to 40 points for the campaign.

Victorious Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin said: ‘This is the first victory in the Premier League for Swansea against Chelsea and I am happy and proud. We played very well in the first half, we deserved to score other goals.

‘It’s a very important win for our fans. It’s a good afternoon for our players, our club and our fans. Safety is almost real, but I hope to take other points in the next weeks because it’s vital we finish well.’

Aston Villa’s relegation was all but confirmed as they lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth.

Goals from Steve Cook and Josh King either side of half-time put the Cherries ahead before Jordan Ayew scored a late consolation for Villa.

Jason Puncheon’s 68thminute effort was enough for Crystal Palace to secure their first win of 2016 against Norwich at Selhurst Park.

Norwich had few clearcut chances but had a penalty claim dismissed by referee Michael Oliver, and despite late pressure including keeper John Ruddy’s attempts to grab a goal from set-pieces, Palace held firm.

Watford came from behind against Everton at Vicarage Road to secure a point.

The Toffees had looked likely to go in at half-time ahead after James McCarthy scored in firsthalf stoppage time but Jose Holebas struck moments later to seal a share of the spoils.