Premier League: Charlie Austin piles pressure on United boss LVG as Leicester surge above Arsenal

Charlie Austin scored a dramatic 87<sup>th minute header on his Southampton debut to pile the pressure on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Austin, 26, buried James Ward-Prowse's cross as Saints claimed back-to-back wins at Old Trafford and consigned the hosts to their fifth home Premier League loss of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur meanwhile opened up a five-point gap over United in the race for Champions League qualification after Dele Alli inspired Mauricio Pochettino's team to victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Jan Vertoghen's own goal ensured the Eagles scored at home for the first time since early December, but Spurs came back with a vengeance in the second half.

Harry Kane leaped above Damien Delaney to equalise from Alli's cross, before the former Milton Keynes Dons midfielder illuminated the fixture with a goal-of the season contender. After Kane's raking cross field pass was headed on by Christian Eriksen, Alli took the ball down, flicked it over Mile Jedinak and unleashed a thunderous volley from 25 yards which flew past Wayne Hennessey. Nacer Chadli added a late third to confirm the win.

Leicester City went back to the top of the Premier League table after sweeping aside Stoke City at the King Power Stadium. Danny Drinkwater drove home the opener in the first half before Jamie Vardy netted his 16<sup>th goal of the season and Leonardo Ulloa made it three with three minutes left. The Foxes are three points ahead of Arsenal prior to their clash with Chelsea on Sunday [24 January].

Manchester City's dismal away former continues as they missed the chance to go within a point of Claudio Ranieri's side though Sergio Aguero's double did prevent West Ham United completing their first league double over Manuel Pellegrini's team for 53 years. Enner Valencia had twice given the Hammers the lead with goals in either half, the first coming after just 54 seconds, but after Aguero levelled first from the penalty spot after Carl Jenkinson's foul, he stroked home with nine minutes left at Upton Park.

At Carrow Road, Adam Lallana scored a 95<sup>th minute winner as Liverpool prevailing in a nine-goal thriller with Norwich City. Robert Firmino gave the Reds an 18<sup>th minute lead, but the Canaries came back to lead 3-1 through Dieumerci Mbokani's backheel, Steven Naismith's debut goal and Wes Hoolahan's penalty.

Jordan Henderson and Firmino drew the Merseysiders level prior to Jonny Howson's wayward backpass putting James Milner through for what looked like the winner. Sebastien Bassong had all-but secured a point with a 92<sup>nd minute drive but deep into added time Lallana slammed home a volley to end one of the games of the season.

Watford ended a run of four successive league defeats with a second win over Newcastle United in January. Odion Ighalo and Craig Cathcart netted either side of half time and despite Jamaal Lascelles scoring his first Toon goal Steve McClaren's team were unable to complete the comeback as the Hornets followed up their FA Cu third round win.

Sunderland were unable to take advantage of a loss for their north east rivals as they were held by AFC Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light. Benik Afiobe scored his second goal for the Cherries since his move from Wolverhampton Wanderes but Patrick van Aanholt netted his second in as many games to claim a point.

West Bromwich Albion easied their relegation fears with a goalless draw with Aston Villa at The Hawthorns. The shot-shy Baggies are now seven points clear of the drop zone and survived conceding a first half penalty when Jonas Olsson felled Jordan Ayew, but referee Robert Madley waved away the appeals as Villa went to within nine points of safety.

Premier League results: Norwich City 4-5 Liverpool, Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City 3-0 Stoke City, Manchester United 0-1 Southampton, Sunderland 1-1 AFC Bournemouth, Watford 2-1 Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Aston Villa, West Ham United 2-2 Manchester City