Premier League, Week 21: Arsenal moves back into first

Aston Villa: Guzan, Baker (Bacuna 21’), Vlaar, Clark, Luna, El Ahmadi (Weimann 73’), Westwood, Delph, Lowton, Agbonlahor, Benteke

Goals: Benteke (76’)

The visitors were given an extraordinary dollop of luck just five minutes in. Raheem Sterling picked out Aly Cissokho steaming in from the wing, and the left back decided to simply hit the ball as hard as possible. His shot was going well wide before Ryan Shawcross fatefully intervened, deflecting the ball past a stranded Jack Butland with his crotch.

Although Stoke responded well, putting some real pressure on their guests as they sought to get back into the match, but Liverpool were looking dangerous whenever they had the ball. Indeed, Philippe Coutinho could have easily doubled the Reds’ lead when Sterling picked him out with a smart ball only to send a shot narrowly over. As it turned out, however, the visitors’ second ended up being gifted to them by the Potters themselves.

Newcastle United injuries and suspensions

Out: Ryan Taylor (knee), Fabricio Coloccini (knee), Mathieu Debuchy (suspended). In doubt: Yohan Cabaye (calf), Tim Krul (shoulder).

Full match report.

Full match report.

Crystal Palace slumped to 20th place in the Premier League table after suffering defeat at White Hart Lane, with Christian Eriksen and Jermain Defoe getting the goals.

Palace had completely dominated the first half and Jason Puncheon missed a penalty, but they were second-best after the break and were left ruing their earlier wastefulness.

Norwich are currently down in 15th place, only three points clear of the relegation zone and winless in their last five league games. Given that they’ve only picked up two league wins away from Carrow Road all season, they’ll no doubt struggle to pick up their first victory away at Everton since 1993.

Everton injuries and suspensions

The question for Hull is whether they can score enough to keep pace with Chelsea. The Blues have scored at least two goals in eight of their last 10 matches, but the Tigers have just 22 goals to their name all season and Robbie Brady leads them with just three goals. Making matters worse, Brady is out this weekend with a groin injury.

Hull City injuries and suspensions