Rafael Benitez’s unhappy start as Chelsea manager continued as his side crumbled against West Ham, while Manchester City were forced to settle for a point against a dogged Everton side. Arsenal slipped further off the pace as they were beaten at home by Swansea, while Tottenham thrashed Fulham.
Rafael Benitez remains in search for his first win as Chelsea manager as West Ham came from behind for a 3-1 win at Upton Park.
The Blues found their first goal under the Spaniard’s stewardship, Fernando Torres setting up Juan Mata in the first half. Torres, Victor Moses and Mata had up good chances to double the lead and they were made to pay as Carlton Cole headed West Ham level just past the hour.
Petr Cech made a fine save to thwart Matt Jarvis and Ashley Cole headed off the line to deny Winston Reid, but the Hammers kept probing and Mohamed Diame fired home with four minutes remaining. As Chelsea chased the game, West Ham pounced and Modibo Maiga clinched the points.
Arsenal lost more ground to the leaders after they were stunned 2-0 by Swansea City at Emirates Stadium. Two late strikes from Michu snatched all three points for the Swans, who were the better side for much of the 90 minutes after a tame performance by the Gunners.
Arsenal were nearly punished early on after a sloppy start, and they were relieved when the ball fell to Ashley Williams, who lashed his shot wide.
Wojciech Szczesny made an impressive double save to deny Angel Rangel before captain Thomas Vermaelen was called upon to make a last-ditch tackle to deny Nathan Dyer.
Arsenal showed some signs of hunger in the second half and felt they deserved a penalty as Olivier Giroud tumbled following a challenge from Chico, but Mark Clattenburg felt the defender managed to get a toe on the ball.
Szczesny was called upon once again to deny Dwight Tiendalli, and Swansea were rewarded for their flowing play, Michu playing a one-two with Luke Moore before driving a left-footed strike past Szczesny. The Swans’ ?2 million summer signing then had his 11th goal of the season, showing real composure to round Szczesny after Dyer dispossessed Carl Jenkinson on the halfway line.