Chelsea have opened up a four-point lead at the top of the English football Premiership after beating Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
German international Andre Schuerrle scored a second-half hat-trick for the visitors.
Second placed Arsenal lost 1-nil at Stoke City.
Newcastle United's 4-1 win over Hull was marred by manager Alan Pardew's dismissal for head-butting his counterpart David Meyler.
Chelsea have 63 points from 28 matches followed by Arsenal on 59 and Manchester City who have 57 points and two games in hand on the top two.
Everton beat West Ham United 1-nil.
Southampton play Liverpool in the late game.
