Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LONDON (AP) — Chelsea kept its three-point lead at the midpoint of the Premier League season Sunday despite a 1-1 draw at fourth-place Southampton.
Chelsea benefited from a collapse by defending champion Manchester City, which squandered a 2-0 lead at home to draw 2-2 with 19th-place Burnley.
Chelsea yielded a goal in the 17th minute as Sadio Mane raced onto a pass from Dusan Tadic and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Eden Hazard struck for Chelsea just before halftime, running onto a pass from Cesc Fabregas.
"Southampton defended with everything and they defended a lot," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said. "We tried everything and we dominated. We created a lot."
Eighteen of the league's 20 teams were in action less than 48 hours after playing Friday in this traditionally packed Christmas schedule. The top four all drew. On Monday, Liverpool hosts Swansea. Unlike last season, Liverpool is in 10th place and out of the title race.
Manchester United also missed a chance to gain ground, remaining seven points behind City in third place after being held to a 0-0 tie at Tottenham.
Arsenal dislodged West Ham from fifth place by defeating its London rival 2-1. This was Arsenal's second 2-1 victory in three days.
"We look to be more stable," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "We have a big game in front of us now against Southampton (on Thursday)."
At the other end of the standings, Leicester remains last but raised its hopes of avoiding relegation by beating Hull 1-0 for its first victory since September.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
