Leicester City extend Premier League lead as Chelsea draw and Arsenal cruise past Everton

Leicester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Foxes moved eight points clear of second-place Tottenham Hotspur courtesy of a first-half goal from Riyad Mahrez.

The 25-year-old Algerian spurned a good chance early in the game, but made amends on 34 minutes when he turned home a cross from Jamie Vardy. Mahrez has now been involved in more Premier League goals this season than anyone else, scoring 16 and providing the assist on 11 occasions.

Alan Pardew's side – who have not won a league game since December – came close to an equaliser when Damien Delaney's hit the bar. But the Foxes held on for the all-important three points and to extend their advantage at the summit of the table.

At Stamford Bridge, meanwhile, Chelsea and West Ham United played out one of the most pulsating games of the Premier League season, as the defending champions twice came from behind to secure a point.

The Hammers, who are chasing a spot in the Champions League, took the lead courtesy of a spectacular long-range effort from Manuel Lanzini, who curled the ball into the top corner. Chelsea drew level with their cross-city rivals shortly before half-time, though, thanks to a similarly impressive effort from distance from Cesc Fabregas.

The Blues started the second period in the ascendancy, but it was West Ham who again took the lead through substitute Andy Carroll. The injury-prone Englishman got his fourth goal of the season when he rounded off a flowing team move by hitting the ball under the body of Thibaut Courtois.

But just as hope appeared to be fading for Chelsea, substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek was brought down when he was through on goal and Chelsea were awarded a penalty. Fabregas stepped up to score and secure a share of the spoils for Guus Hiddink's men.

Elsewhere, Norwich City eased their relegation fears with a much-needed 1-0 victory against West Bromich Albion at The Hawthorns. Robbie Brady's goal in the 50th minute gave Alex Neil's side their first win in 11 league games.

The win moved them out of the bottom three, although the Canaries will return to 18th position if Sunderland defeat Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday (20 March).

At Vicarage Road, meanwhile, Stoke secured a comfortable victory against Watford thanks to goals from Jon Walters and Joselu. Mark Hughes' increasingly-impressive team dominated possession after the opening skirmishes and Walters turned home Phil Bardsley's right-wing cross to give the Potters the lead.

Thereafter, Marko Arnautovic had a goal ruled out for offside, but Joselu doubled the away side's lead when he lobbed Heurelho Gomes in the Watford goal. The Hornets did at least enjoy some consolation when Troy Deeney scored a close-range header late on.

Earlier in the day, Arsenal bounced back from their Champions League elimination to Barcelona by coasting past a lacklustre Everton side at Goodison Park. First-half goals from Danny Welbeck and 19-year-old midfielder Alex Iwobi – who impressed once again – gave the Gunners an impressive victory.

The result raises more questions about Everton's defensive troubles and the future of manager Roberto Martinez. The Toffees have already conceded 28 home league goals this season, which is more than in any previous 38-game Premier League campaign.

In the day's late fixture, Swansea took a huge step to securing their survival as a second-half goal from Federico Fernandez secured all three points over stricken Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium.