PL round-up: Liverpool rescue point against Chelsea; Arsenal lose to Watford

Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points with a 1-1 draw against an improved Liverpool at Anfield.

Diego Costa saw his late penalty saved by Simon Mignolet in the second-half after the Spanish international was fouled by Joel Matip inside the box, and despite late pressure from Liverpool, the London outfit will be the happier of the two sides after stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League.

David Luiz dealt Jurgen Klopp’s side an early blow against the run of play after the Brazilian’s superb free-kick beat Mignolet, who seemed to react late to the whistle of Mark Clattenburg.

Georginio Wijnaldum provided his side with a much needed equaliser early in the second-half after the former Newcastle midfielder headed home from close-range as the home fans rallied for their side to go on and get the winner.

Roberto Firmino wasted chances for the Reds towards the end of tie, after the Brazilian shot high and wide despite no pressure at the back-post from a wonderful Adam Lallana flick before heading directly into the path of Thibaut Courtois.

Jurgen Klopp’s side will look to put their poor start to 2017 behind them when they travel to Hull City on Saturday, while Chelsea host Arsenal in a crucial clash on the same date.

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a massive blow as Watford ran out 2-1 suprise winners at the Emirates.

Younes Kaboul broke the deadlock for the visitors inside ten minutes after the former Tottenham Hotspur man saw his shot deflect off Aaron Ramsey before beating Petr Cech.

Troy Deeney doubled his team's lead moments later when the striker tapped home after Cech parried away Etienne Capoue’s shot, following a fine run from the 28-year-old.

Despite the Gunners pulling one back through Alex Iwobi after the striker dispatched Alexsis Sanchez’s cross, and a late headed attempt coming back off the crossbar for Lucas Perez, it was not to be for the hosts, who now sit nine points off leaders Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur were left frustrated as Sunderland held Mauricio Pochettino’s to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats climb off the bottom of the table after the hard-fought point, and displayed great defensive qualities needed to beat the drop.

Victor Wanyama missed his side’s best opportunity after the former Celtic man failed to convert Son Heung-min's cross, despite no pressure at the back-post.

Sunderland conjured up few chances, but will settle for what could be a crucial point come the end of the season.

Tottenham will want to get their title-chase back on track when they host Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Crystal Palace secured their first win under Sam Allardyce with a 2-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Scott Dann opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 47th minute, after the former Blackburn defender converted Damien Delaney’s flick-on to register a crucial win.

Andros Townsend - who was linked with a move away from Palace - found Christian Benteke with seconds remaining, the Belgian striker making no mistake with his accurate header.

Despite remaining in the relegation zone, Palace and Allardyce will take comfort in what is their first clean-sheet away from home since December 2016.

Palace will look to build on their win when they host fellow-strugglers Sunderland on the 4th of February.

Swansea made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 win over Southampton in what was an exciting affair at the Liberty Stadium.

The hosts took the lead after Alfie Mawson converted Gylfi Sigurdsson's corner, with the help of an Oriol Romeu deflection.

Ireland striker Shane Long pulled the Saints level after a slick move from the away-side saw Ryan Bertrand cross for the former Reading man to finish from close-range.

Sigurdsson re-established his side’s lead in the 71st minute after the former Spurs player headed home Luciano Narsingh’s cross - who was making his debut for the Welsh side.

Swansea remain 17th in the league, while Southampton sit a comfortable 11th placed.

Middlesbrough are without a win in seven Premier League games after they drew 1-1 with a stubborn West Brom side at the Riverside.

James Morrison opened the scoring for the Baggies when his long-range effort found the back of the net in the fifth minute after lacklustre defending from the hosts.

Alvaro Negredo drew his side level minutes later from the spot after former Manchester City striker was impeded inside the area by Gareth McAuley.

Despite later pressure from the away-side, and hitting the woodwork three times, both sides had to settle for a point, a result that Aitor Karanka will be disappointed with after wins for relegation rivals, Swansea and Crystal Palace.

A late Sam Vokes goal helped Burnley to their fifth consecutive home win with a 1-0 victory over Leicester City at Turf Moor.

The 27-year-old converted Michael Keane’s flick-on from a corner in the 87^th minute, and despite claims of hand-ball from the Foxes, referee Mike Dean allowed the goal.

The away-side still await their first away victory this campaign and have now gone four consecutive games without scoring.

Image/CliveMason/GettyImages

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