English football champions Manchester City have kept their slim title hopes alive thanks to a much-needed 3-0 win against 10-man West Bromwich Albion.
But Arsenal remain hot on their heels after a 2-1 victory against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero Photo: Photosport
Much-maligned after their Champions League exit in Barcelona and a league defeat by Burnley last week, City were helped by a bizarre refereeing decision in the second minute in which West Brom's Gareth McAuley was sent off instead of Craig Dawson in a case of mistaken identity.
Referee Neil Swarbrick failed to spot that Dawson had been the culprit in hauling down Wilfried Bony when he was through on goal.
Bony then put City ahead after 27 minutes before Fernando added a second just before the break and David Silva scored after half-time to hand City boss Manuel Pellegrini victory in his 100th game in charge.
City have 61 points from 30 matches, three behind leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand over their title rivals and play Hull City on Monday.
Arsenal, knocked out of the Champions League by AS Monaco, remain one point behind City, however after victory against Newcastle at St James' Park, the Gunners have now won their last six league matches.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina makes a point-blank save against Newcastle Photo: Photosport
Olivier Giroud struck twice in four minutes in the first half but they spent much of the second half on the backfoot after Moussa Sissoko pulled a goal back for Newcastle.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane celebrated his first senior England call up with a hat-trick as Spurs beat bottom side Leicester City 4-3 in a thrilling match at White Hart Lane.
Sixth-placed Southampton stay above Spurs on goal difference after their 2-0 win at St Mary's against struggling Burnley, who remain in the bottom three.
Crystal Palace came from a goal down to beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium, while Aston Villa's recent resurgence came to end with a 1-0 home defeat against Swansea City.
Dutchman Dick Advocaat's first game as Sunderland manager ended in defeat as his side were beaten 1-0 at West Ham United.
