It's rare that the relegation race heats up in January, but that's the case this season and it set the stage for a pair of six-pointers in the battle to avoid the drop. That proved just fine for West Ham and Sunderland, who picked up key wins to move to safety.
Premier League scores: West Ham, Sunderland get wins in relegation six-pointers
West Ham and Sunderland can breathe a sigh of relief.
Hull City 0-2 Chelsea
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham United
The Hammers are clear of the drop zone thanks to three points at Cardiff City Stadium. Carlton Cole put the visitors in front just before halftime, but the Bluebirds were given hope in the 71st minute when James Tomkins was sent off. Unfortunately for them, West Ham going down to 10 men didn't help them one bit because a stoppage time goal by Mark Noble put a bow things for the Hammers and sent Cardiff to 18th.
Everton 2-0 Norwich City
Fulham 1-4 Sunderland
Fulham are going to have nightmares about Adam Johnson, who absolutely picked them apart on Saturday. They had no answer for the winger in the 29th minute when he put them in front, nor did they know how to deal with him when he scored again in the 69th minute. An 85th minute penalty gave him a hat trick and, along with a Ki Sun-Yoeng goal involved, the Black Cats ran away with an easy victory at Craven Cottage to move within a single point of getting out of the relegation zone.
Southampton 1-0 West Brom
Southampton had West Brom on their heels all afternoon at St. Mary’s so when Adam Lallana finally found a way through in the 66th minute, it was as if justice had been served. The goal came thanks to a lovely first touch by Lallana, who left himself an easy finish because of it and the Saints had themselves a well-deserved lead. Southampton had all of the ball, all of the chances and all of the shots so even in their slim 1-0, it was certainly right that they also got all of the points.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Crystal Palace
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