Liverpool exploit Chelsea defeat as City draw

Liverpool FC moved second in the Premier League by dispatching West Ham United FC 4-1 at Anfield, leapfrogging Chelsea FC on goal difference as the Blues succumbed 3-2 at Stoke City FC.

Like against Norwich City FC on Wednesday, Luís Suarez was Liverpool's inspiration, scoring the crucial third on 81 minutes after Martin Škrtel's own goal had reduced a lead built one from Guy Demel and a Mamadou Sakho header either side of half-time. A red card came for Kevin Nolan and a Joey O'Brien own goal compounded West Ham's misery.

Oussama Assaidi's stunning last-minute winner earned Stoke the spoils in a thriller against Chelsea. André Schürrle hit the opener and later restored parity with a second goal after Peter Crouch and Stephen Ireland had got their names on the scoresheet. That loss means Arsenal FC could go seven points clear by beating Everton FC on Sunday.

Manchester City FC also dropped points as they were stifled at Southampton FC, while in the pick of results elsewhere, Newcastle United FC ended a 41-year wait for a victory at Old Trafford to inflict back-to-back home defeats on Manchester United FC for the first time in 11 years, Yohan Cabaye grabbing the only goal.