LONDON: Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat-trick as Manchester United beat 10-man Wigan Athletic 5-0 to go level on points with Manchester City after the Premier League leaders were held 0-0 at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
Berbatov scored twice before converting a late penalty, with Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia adding United’s other goals against the visitors who had Conor Sammon sent off late in the first half for what appeared a soft challenge on Jonny Evans.
Chelsea’s faltering title challenge suffered another blow when they were held 1-1 by neighbours Fulham in an early kickoff at Stamford Bridge, the home team registering their third successive league draw.
Juan Mata scored after 47 minutes for Chelsea before Clint Dempsey equalised nine minutes later.
City and United have 45 points from 18 games followed by Tottenham Hotspur (35) who have two matches in hand and visit Norwich City on Tuesday.
Chelsea are fourth with 34 from 18 followed by Arsenal (32 from 17) who host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
United’s big win—their second by 5-0 after beating Fulham by the same score on Wednesday—enabled them to halve their goal difference deficit on City who started the day with a plus-10 tally over their neighbours and ended it on plus-five.
Liverpool remained sixth with 31 points after being held to a surprising 1-1 home draw by bottom club Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.
A Charlie Adam own goal put Rovers ahead at the end of the first half before Maxi Rodriguez equalised eight minutes after the break.
Newcastle United ended a run of six matches without a win by beating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium where Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba scored inside three second-half minutes.
Going back to the Chelsea match, the Blues wasted a chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City as Clint Dempsey’s equaliser gave Fulham a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Andre Villas-Boas’ side were on course for some much needed festive cheer when Juan Mata put the hosts ahead in the second half, but Dempsey levelled soon after to leave the Blues 10 points behind City.
Chelsea’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge for the title are starting to fade after a third successive draw and even a place in the top four can’t be taken for granted as they will slip to fifth if Arsenal beat Wolves on Tuesday.
The Boxing Day draw was far more rewarding for Fulham, who moved five points clear of the relegation zone and spoiled their local rivals’ Christmas in the process.
Villas-Boas handed Fernando Torres a rare start ahead of Didier Drogba and the Spanish striker went close with a fierce drive that forced a good save from David Stockdale.
After a lacklustre first half, it was Chelsea who took the lead two minutes into the second period when Spanish playmaker Mata drilled his shot past Stockdale.
Fulham were thrashed 5-0 by Manchester United last week and Mata’s goal could have been the trigger for another meltdown from the Cottagers.
But Martin Jol’s side, looking for their first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979, hit back with an equaliser in the 56th minute as American midfielder Dempsey tapped in after Bryan Ruiz got past Ashley Cole to whip over a cross that Petr Cech failed to claim.
Chelsea pressed for a winner, only to see Stockdale make fine saves to deny Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda.
Liverpool had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom side Blackburn in the Premier League on Monday despite the return of captain Steven Gerrard after a two-month injury layoff.
Maxi Rodriguez equalized for Liverpool with a header from close range in the 53rd minute to cancel out Charlie Adam’s own goal right before halftime.
Gerrard came on as a substitute with 21 minutes left but couldn’t inspire his team to a victory as the hosts again lacked a cutting edge up front despite a multitude of chances.
Kenny Dalglish’s side remained unbeaten at home this season, but have now drawn six and won three and been held five times in the last six outings at Anfield.
Liverpool was in control early but lacked the spark and crispness which the Reds have usually had lately.
Blackburn had few chances and needed a helping hand to score against the run of play, as Adam diverted Morten Gamst Pedersen’s inswinging corner past his own goalkeeper just seconds before halftime.
But it took Liverpool just eight minutes to equalize. (Agencies)