On the second day of Christmas, the 18th round of the English Premier League took place, with eight matches played.
One of the most interesting matches of the round took place at Anfield stadium, where Liverpool faced the league leaders Leicester. Claudio Ranieri's team could not save themselves and suffered a minimal defeat.
The match started powerfully with Liverpool players dominating and posing a threat to Leicester's goal. Divock Origi looked particularly dangerous, but had to leave the field due to injury in the 38th minute, making way for Christian Benteke. Despite struggling initially, it was Benteke's goal that secured Liverpool's victory.
In the 63rd minute, after a great pass from Roberto Firmino, C. Benteke defeated Kasper Schmeichel with a single touch. After the missed goal, Ranieri brought in two new attackers and Leicester's game improved, with them having several chances to equalize towards the end of the match.
After the defeat, Leicester remains in the leader position with 38 points, but today Arsenal will have the opportunity to push them out of that position.
Guss Hiddink had an unsuccessful debut as manager of Chelsea. The Blues played a draw with Watford and remain in the 15th position. Oscar had a chance to secure the win at the end of the match, but his penalty shot missed.
Manchester City celebrated easy victories against Tottenham in front of their own fans. Other matches ended with wins for Swansea against Everton and Aston Villa against West Ham, as well as a draw between Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
Results:
Liverpool 1 - 0 Leicester 63' [1 - 0] C. Benteke
Man City 4 - 1 Sunderland 12' [1 - 0] R. Sterling 17' [2 - 0] Y. Toure 22' [3 - 0] W. Bony 54' [4 - 0] K. De Bruyne 59' [4 - 1] F. Borini 69' W. Bony (Man City) missed a penalty
Chelsea 2 - 2 Watford 32' [1 - 0] D. Costa 42' [1 - 1] T. Deeney 56' [1 - 2] O. Ighalo 65' [2 - 2] D. Costa 80' Oscar (Chelsea) missed a penalty
Tottenham 3 - 0 Norwich 26' [1 - 0] H. Kane (penalty) 42' [2 - 0] H. Kane 80' [3 - 0] T. Carroll
Swansea 1 - 0 West Brom 9' [1 - 0] S-Y. Ki
Bournemouth 0 - 0 Crystal Palace
Aston Villa 1 - 1 West Ham 45' [0 - 1] A. Cresswell 62' [1 - 1] J. Ayew (penalty)
Newcastle 0 - 1 Everton 90' [0 - 1] T. Cleverley
Standings:
