Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb hat-trick as Leicester City crushed bottom side Sheffield United 5-0 to move second in the Premier League table.
Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates after scoring. Photo: All Rights Reserved
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder left the club by mutual consent late on Sunday and coach Paul Heckingbottom, who will take charge until the end of the season, had no time to fix the team's defensive frailty and toothless attack.
Ayoze Perez went close with an early header for Leicester but Aaron Ramsdale was alive to the danger, getting his fingertips to the ball to turn it onto the far post.
He only managed delayed the inevitable, however, and Leicester went ahead in the 39th minute when Jamie Vardy latched on to a clever pass and his perfect centre left Iheanacho with a simple tap-in.
Iheanacho tried to repay the favour early in the second half, teeing up Vardy for a first-time shot but Chris Basham headed his effort off the line as Vardy, who has scored only once this year, struggled again in front of goal.
Perez added the second in the 64th minute with a low shot before Vardy again set up Iheanacho for another simple finish.
The Nigerian saved the best for last, firing home a powerful left-foot shot in the 78th minute to complete his first Premier League hat-trick.
Vardy's shot was turned into his own net by Ethan Ampadu to complete the rout as Leicester climbed up to second spot on 56 points after 29 games, two ahead of Manchester United who play West Ham United later on Sunday.
Sheffield United remained bottom on 14 points, 14 behind Newcastle United in 17th place.
"I don't know how to express this, I've been waiting for this day to come. I'm grateful to God, my team mates and my manager for helping me grow," Iheanacho told Sky Sports.
Arsenal recover from Lamela 'Rabona' to beat Tottenham
Arsenal recovered from the shock of conceding an Erik Lamela wonder goal to claim a deserved 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League north London derby.
Martin Odegaard's deflected effort on the stroke of halftime deservedly levelled things up for Arsenal and Alexandre Lacazette's 64th-minute penalty sealed their first win in six attempts against their bitter rivals.
It was a mixed afternoon for Lamela who produced an audacious 'Rabona' shot to put Spurs in front against the run of play after 33 minutes at The Emirates -- one of the most remarkable goals ever seen in the long-running rivalry.
But the Argentine, who had come on to replace the injured Son Heung-min early on, went from hero to zero when he was sent off in the 76th for catching Kieran Tierney with his forearm.
While Lamela's goal was unforgettable it could not disguise a largely disappointing display by the visitors who squandered a great chance to boost their hopes of a top-four finish.
After Lamela's sending off Tottenham's 10 men finally applied some pressure and had a Harry Kane effort ruled out late on for offside before he hit the post with a free kick.
Spurs are still without a league win at Arsenal since 2010 and the defeat left them in seventh spot, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Arsenal stayed in 10th spot with 41 points, four behind Tottenham.
-Reuters
Brighton relief after first Premier League win over Southampton
Brighton & Hove Albion secured their first Premier League win over Southampton as goals from Lewis Dunk and Leandro Trossard led them to a 2-1 victory at St Mary's Stadium.
The win ended Brighton's three-match losing run and moved them one place up the table to 16th, on 29 points after 28 games, three points above the relegation zone.
Winger Trossard said the victory was a relief for Graham Potter's side.
"We were the better team overall and finally we got the three points," the 26-year-old said. "It's a relief and now we can build on that."
Brighton captain Dunk scored the opener with a thumping header into the bottom corner in the 16th minute after midfielder Pascal Gross curled the ball into the penalty area.
Southampton drew level 11 minutes later through forward Che Adams who volleyed home after Dunk had failed to clear the ball inside the box. It was the English forward's third goal in as many league games.
Brighton regained the lead in the 56th minute when Belgian Trossard fired from 12 yards out following a through pass from striker Danny Welbeck who was set up on the edge of the box by midfielder Adam Lallana.
Southampton failed to recover and slumped to their 14th defeat of the season. After leading the standings in November, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side are now 14th with 33 points from 29 matches.
-Reuters