Saturday Premier league round-up: Chelsea and Arsenal move forward, Man City fall back

Chelsea 4 – 1 Wigan

There were no troubles for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon as four times Premier League champions brushed off the challenge from Wigan.

The London side won the match with a comfortable 4-1 scoreline, much to the delight of under-pressure interim manager Rafa Benitez. The Blues took the lead on 23 minutes through Ramires, who got on the end of a Torres pass to make it 1-0. Torres had yet another quiet game, with his efforts failing to challenge the Wigan defence.

Five minutes into the second half Chelsea doubled their lead with Hazard. The home side were showing no signs of free-flowing football as they continued their conservative playing style. Eight minutes after the Belgian made it 2-0 for Chelsea, Wigan pulled one back with Maloney. The Scotsman ran past the Chelsea defence and beat Peter Cech from a tight angle.

The final 20 minutes of the match were nervy for Rafa Benitez who, prior to the kick off, had reports flying around regarding his future at Chelsea. The Spaniard was soon relieved thanks to Frank Lampard’s 87^th minute solo effort and Marko Marin’s first goal for Chelsea. The German came off the bench to replace the leggy Hazard and soon made his mark by getting himself on the scoresheet.

Norwich City 0 – 0 Fulham

It was an uneventful match between the two sides at Carrow Road which ended in a draw. The Canaries were tight in defence to avoid the repetition of the 5-0 thrashing at Craven Cottage at the start of the season.

Fulham’s best chance came from Damien Duff as he tried to half-volley Dimitar Berbatov’s cross, but it was well blocked by Michael Turner.

At the closing stages of the game, Norwich looked the likelier side to get the winner, Kei Kamara, who was making his debut for Norwich, impressed by showing a competitive edge at either end of the pitch and pushing to get all three points, but as time ran out both sides had to settle for a point apiece.

Stoke City 2 – 1 Reading

Stoke are sitting above West Ham United in 10^th position with 33 points, after holding off a late comeback from Reading. Stoke got the opener after 67 minutes thanks to Robert Huth’s header which directed Matthew Etherington’s corner into the Reading net.

Soon after their first, Stoke found the back of the net once more. This time it was Jerome with a powerful shot down the far end corner. Reading almost spoilt the party for Stoke at the Britannia Stadium as Harte’s header made it 2-1 and with seven  minutes left to play everyone was wondering if Reading could do it again and make yet another remarkable comeback. Stoke held on at the end to win 2-1.

Southampton 3 – 1 Manchester City

For Manchester City’s unexpected loss against Southampton, you can read our full review here.

Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent

Saturday’s results

Chelsea 4 – 1 Wigan

Norwich City 0 – 0 Fulham

Southampton 3 – 1 Manchester City

Stoke City 2 – 1 Reading

Sunderland 0- 1 Arsenal

Swansea 4- 1 Queen’s Park Rangers

Tottenham Hotspur 2- 1 Newcastle United