Premier League weekend review December 26-27

Aston Villa failed to add Arsenal to their list of “Big Four” scalps this season as skipper Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to lead the Gunners to a 3-0 win. Manchester United cut Chelsea’s lead at the top to two points with a hard fought 3-1 win over Phil Brown’s Hull City.

In a bottom of the table clash, West Ham United got the better of Portsmouth. Goals from Alessandro Diamanti and Radoslav Kovac gave the Hammers a 2-0 win over Avram Grant’s side. Birmingham City’s good recent run of form continued as they held Chelsea to a goalless draw at St.Andrew’s. The London derby between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur also ended in a stalemate.

Roberto Mancini was victorious in his first game in charge of Manchester City. Goals from Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov and Argentine striker Carlos Tevez saw the Citizens overcome Stoke 2-0 at home.

A second half David Nugent header gave Burnley a point against struggling Bolton Wanderers in a competitive Lancashire derby. Marouane Fellaini scored a late goal as Everton drew against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool brought some cheer to Rafa Benitez as they beat last season’s Coca Cola Championship winners Wolves 2-0 at home on Boxing Day. Skipper Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun were the scorers for the Reds, who are now five points behind fourth placed Villa.