PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League as they claimed a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Diego Costa headed his 13th goal of the season from Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross in the 44th minute to move Antonio Conte’s side nine points clear of nearest rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was this week described as ”phenomenal” by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and the big striker once more proved his worth with both goals in the 2-0 win at West Brom.

Ten-man Leicester rallied against the odds as the champions overcame Jamie Vardy’s contentious 28th-minute dismissal and a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at Stoke.

LA LIGA

Saul Niguez made the difference as Atletico Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Las Palmas in La Liga.

Both sides hit the woodwork in an entertaining opening 45 minutes, with Saul striking the inside of a post from an acrobatic volley before Mauricio Lemos stepped out of defence to crack a 40-yard shot against the Atleti crossbar.

LIGUE 1

Paris St Germain lost more ground on Ligue 1 leaders Nice as they were beaten 2-1 at Guingamp.

Second-half goals from Yannis Salibur and Nill de Pauw stunned Unai Emery’s team and, despite an 80th-minute Edison Cavani effort, the reigning champions were left four points adrift of the summit.

BUNDESLIGA

RB Leipzig knocked Bayern Munich, who they meet in five days’ time, off the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 2-0 win at home to Hertha Berlin.