Manchester City also ceased the opportunity to catch up on the leaders with a 4-1 win away at Fulham. With Mark Hughes now at Fulham there was special meaning to this game however City's class eventually told the story with Tevez irresistible in front of goal to score an impressive brace.
In a fascinating London Derby Arsenal went 2-0 up at home over Tottenham. A win for the gunners would have put them top of the league however a spirited fight back saw Spurs win 3-2 for there first win over Arsenal in the league for the best part of 2 decades.
Liverpool kept their good form up with a 3-0 home win over West Ham. The loss for West Ham puts more strain on the London club as they are now 5 points adrift at the bottom of the league. Liverpool are now in striking distance of the champions league places and will do their best to stay in touch over the busy Christmas period.
In other weekend matches Blackburn were too strong for Aston Villa with a 2-0 home win in front of their new owners. Soke City were too strong for a hapless West Brom with a 3-0 win away in the Midlands. Blackpool showed they are still a chance of beating the drop with a 2-1 win at home to Wolves whilst Bolton again won this time destroying Newcastle 5-1 in front of their passionate fans. Meanwhile Monday night was full of entertainment as Everton travelled to Sunderland and scored a late equaliser to ensure a point at the Stadium of Light.