Chelsea Stays Floating While Manchester United Cruise into 2017 with a Huge Spirit

Chelsea were given a stiff examination by Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points ahead of the late game between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Willian scored twice as a spirited Stoke were beaten 4-2 despite twice coming back to equalise.

That made 13 successive victories for Antonio Conte’s side, equalling the record by any club for a single season in the top division of English football.

They were pushed hard, however.

After defender Gary Cahill headed in a corner, Dutch international Bruno Martins Indi brought Stoke level. Willian then scored twice in eight minutes in the second half, on either side of Peter Crouch tapping in for his first Stoke goal since May 2015.

Chelsea could not feel secure until Diego Costa, back after suspension, scored his 14th of the season.
Manager Conte, making such an impression in his first season, said equalling the record was “a great achievement”, adding that “we win and lose together”.

His team have not tasted defeat in the league, since Liverpool and Arsenal beat them in September.

Sixth-placed Manchester United fell behind at home to Middlesbrough before goals from Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba in the last five minutes brought about a 2-1 win.

Aitor Karanka had proved a match for his mentor Jose Mourinho, under whom he once worked at Real Madrid, and Grant Leadbitter scored for Boro midway through the second half.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with 11 goals in his previous 10 games, was annoyed to have a 12th ruled out in the first half, for a high foot.

Martial, who had earlier hit the post, brought them level with only five minutes left and a minute later Pogba earned United their fifth successive league win.

“It’s beautiful, that’s why we love football,” the French midfielder said.