Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United, while Chelsea came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in Saturday’s matches.
City moved above Arsenal after recording a seventh consecutive win in all competitions, although the Gunners can reclaim top spot if they beat Everton later. Haaland opened the scoring after five minutes at the Etihad Stadium, converting after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort.
The Norwegian striker later provided the assist for City’s second goal just before half-time, as Tijjani Reijnders scored his first goal for the club. West Ham missed several opportunities to reduce the deficit early in the second half, remaining in the relegation zone.
Haaland sealed the win in the 69th minute with his 38th goal of the season for club and country, moving City one point ahead of Arsenal.
At St James’ Park, Chelsea staged a second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with Newcastle United. The hosts took a two-goal lead in the first half through a brace from Nick Woltemade.
Chelsea responded after the break with a free-kick from Reece James before Joao Pedro capitalised on an error by Malick Thiaw to equalise. Newcastle were left frustrated after late appeals for penalties and a red card against James were turned down, leaving Eddie Howe’s side in 11th place.
Chelsea remained fourth in the table, having won just one of their last five league games.
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Elsewhere, Liverpool prepared to face Tottenham Hotspur without Mohamed Salah, who has departed to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. The champions are unbeaten in five matches and could move up to fifth with a win. Tottenham, who began the weekend in 13th, are under pressure to secure a rare home league victory.
Brentford moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Wolves, who remain without a league victory this season. Keane Lewis-Potter scored both goals for the visitors.
Burnley ended a seven-match losing run with a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at Bournemouth, as Armando Broja scored in the 90th minute. Bournemouth have now gone eight games without a win.
In another fixture, Sunderland climbed to fifth place after playing out a 0-0 draw away to Brighton.