Crespo strike cheers Chelsea

Hernán Crespo scored the winning goal as Chelsea FC defeated west London rivals Fulham FC 3-2 on Monday to maintain their perfect home record in the Premiership this season.

Reyes winner
With Arsenal FC having begun the traditional Boxing Day programme with a 1-0 win at Charlton Athletic FC, José Antonio Reyes scoring the only goal shortly before the hour, Chelsea soon followed suit across the capital. The champions went two goals up in 24 minutes through defender William Gallas and midfielder Frank Lampard but Fulham fought back with a strike from Brian McBride before the half hour and a 56th-minute penalty converted by Heidar Helguson. Crespo had the final say, however, when scoring his fifth Premiership goal in the 74th minute.

Spurs successful
Tottenham Hotspur FC beat ten-man Birmingham City FC 2-0 to temporarily go third on 34 points, although they would drop one place as Liverpool saw off Newcastle United FC 2-0 at Anfield. Robbie Keane, with a penalty, and Jermain Defoe, in added time, scored the goals that left Birmingham one from bottom with 12 points from 17 games. Sunderland AFC remain rooted to the foot of the table despite recording a home 0-0 draw against UEFA Cup hopefuls Bolton Wanderers FC, who are now only ahead of Wigan Athletic FC on goal difference after their thrilling 4-3 win against Manchester City FC.

Gerrard opener
Steven Gerrard (14) set Liverpool on their way to their tenth league win of the season, before Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given put through his own net two minutes from the break to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. On his first return to Anfield since he left for Real Madrid CF in 2004, Michael Owen failed to find the net. The Reds continue to trail Manchester United FC by six points after Sir Alex Ferguson's side eased to a 3-0 home success against West Bromwich Albion FC. Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand scored in the first half at Old Trafford and Ruud van Nistelrooij wrapped up the points in the 63rd minute.