Chelsea FC climbed to within seven points of Premier League leaders Manchester United FC courtesy of a 3-1 victory at Sunderland AFC.

Fernando Torres, who scored twice in the 6-1 win against FC Nordsjælland in midweek, added another couple in the first half at the Stadium of Light, the first a wonderful volley and the second a penalty. Juan Mata made it 3-0 after the break before Adam Johnson pulled one back for the hosts midway through the second half.

Arsenal FC, meanwhile, secured their first league victory in five attempts, two Mikel Arteta penalties enough to see off West Bromwich Albion FC. The Gunners moved up to sixth with that triumph, two points adrift of the visitors to north London.

Elsewhere, Southampton FC's recent resurgence continued with a 1-0 home win against Reading FC, Norwich City FC beat Swansea City AFC 4-3 and Stoke City FC versus Aston Villa FC ended goalless. Queens Park Rangers FC, eight points shy of safety, remain without a win this season having drawn 2-2 at Wigan Athletic FC.