2021 began with an action packed round of Premier League games which saw Liverpool cling onto top spot as the title fight continues to twist and turn.
Danny Ings lobbed in a second-minute winner as Southampton defeated Liverpool to move to within four points of the Reds, who now sit top on goal difference from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes’ 61st minute penalty saw the Red Devils edge out Aston Villa in a tough New Year Day encounter at Old Trafford, just moments after Adama Traore had equalised to cancel out Anthony Martial’s opener.
Andy Carroll’s late smasher failed to stop Leicester staying third in the table, as James Maddison and Youri Tielemans struck to secure a 2-1 away win at Newcastle to put the Foxes a point behind the top two.
Tottenham comfortably dispatched Leeds 3-0 to go fourth as Harry Kane and Son Heung-min both scored and assisted, before Matt Doherty was sent off in injury time after collecting a second yellow card.
Down in the relegation zone, Eberechi Eze scored a stunning solo strike which clinched victory for Crystal Palace to keep Sheffield United rooted to the foot of the table, with Jeffery Schlupp firing the Eagles ahead after just four minutes.
West Bromwich Albion remain second-bottom and now six points adrift of safety after Alexandre Lacazette’s brace secured Arsenal victory, coupled with strikes from Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka in a dominant display in blizzard conditions at The Hawthorns.
Fulham remain third bottom after their trip to Burnley was postponed, due to a continued Coronavirus outbreak amongst the Cottagers.
Elsewhere, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne both provided assist and a goal as Manchester City thrashed Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to go fifth.
Wolves came from behind to lead Brighton 3-1 at half-time, only for the Seagulls to fight back for a point through second-half goals from Neal Maupay and Lewis Dunk in a 3-3 thriller at the Amex.
Finally, Tomas Soucek fired in a 86th minute winner on rebound from his then Aaron Creswell’s blocked shots as West Ham defeated Everton in a tightly fought opening match of 2021
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