Aston Villa closed to within four points of the Premier League summit with an impressive 2-0 win at Newcastle, while Chelsea climbed into the top four on Sunday.
Leaders Arsenal can stretch their advantage over Villa and Manchester City back to seven points when they host Manchester United later.
Villa bounced back from a shock 1-0 home defeat by Everton last weekend to remain on the fringes of the title race.
Emi Buendia put Unai Emery’s men on course for their first win at St James’ Park since 2005 with a brilliant strike from outside the box in the 19th minute.
Newcastle were shorn of inspiration without injured captain Bruno Guimaraes in a damaging defeat for their chances of Champions League qualification.
Ollie Watkins sealed Villa’s victory when the England international headed in Lucas Digne’s cross two minutes from time.
Newcastle slipped to ninth but remain only three points outside the top five, which will likely be enough for a place in the Champions League.
Even if Villa fall short of a first league title since 1981, they are well on course for a return to Europe’s elite competition, holding an 11-point advantage over sixth-placed Manchester United.
Chelsea piled more pain on Crystal Palace with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner promised to do his best to turn around a miserable run for the Eagles, despite announcing he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Austrian was furious at the manner club captain Marc Guehi was allowed to depart for Manchester City earlier this week, and could also lose star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the transfer window closes.
Mateta wasted Palace’s best chance of a bright opening when he fired straight at Robert Sanchez.
The home side never recovered after a wayward backpass from Jaydee Canvot freed Estevao to sprint clear and fire in Chelsea’s opener in the 34th minute.
The Brazilian then set up compatriot Joao Pedro to race in behind the Palace defence and double the Blues’ advantage just after half-time.
Enzo Fernandez’s penalty rounded off a fourth win in five games for Liam Rosenior since he took charge at Stamford Bridge.
Palace’s misery was compounded when England international Adam Wharton was sent off for two bookable offences.
After 11 games without a win, the Eagles are now looking over their shoulder, just eight points above the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest boosted their survival chances by inflicting only a second home defeat of the season on Brentford.
West Ham’s victory over Sunderland on Saturday piled pressure on Sean Dyche’s men.
They responded by moving five points clear of the drop zone with a 2-0 win in west London, thanks to goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi.
AFP
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