Football News: Man City labour to win to keep pressure on impressive Chelsea

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Manchester City managed to haul themselves over the line against a resiliant Leicester City to secure a 1-0 victory that kept the pressure on Premier League pace setters Chelsea. A goal shortly before the half-time interval from veteran midfielder Frank Lampard to secure the victory over the home side who had first choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel missing with a foot injury. Rumours are City are keen to keep Lampard beyond his current loan deal as his impressive form, and familair knack for scoring goals from midfield has helped Man City even before his MLS career with New York even begins.

Chelsea meanwhile continued to lead the pack and stay 3 points clear after a routine 2-0 victory over Hull City. Any nerves were settled early on as Belguim international Eden Hazard put Chelsea in front before Diego Costa settled the tie in the second half with his 12th goal of the season. Petr Cech started for the first time in the league this season in place of the injured Courtois.

Elsewhere a horror challenge from Kieron Richardson piled pressure on ten man Aston Villa as they lost 1-0 to Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion, with Craig Gardener scoring the only goal to settle the tie against his former employers. Burnley stayed a point clear of the drop zone with an impressive home win over Ronald Koeman's high flying Southampton, striker Ashley Barnes grabbing the only goal of the game.

The two remaining Saturday afternoon games finished in draws as goals from James McArthur and Peter Crouch seen the match between Crystal Palace and Stoke City finish one all, a Jordi Gomez penalty and Stewart Downing strike seen the same result between Sunderland and West Ham United.

The evening kick off between Arsenal and Newcastle United could see a victory for either side leapfrog Southampton into 5th position in the league before Manchester United and Liverpool meet at Old Trafford and Swansea meet Tottenham in Wales on Sunday afternoon. Everton and QPR complete the weekends action on Monday night.

Written by Dave Laurie December 14 2014 22:02:31