The traditional overkill of English Premier League matches during the Christmas season is here and the league’s top three are struggling to cope.

Chelsea has looked unconvincing of late and seemed to have continued that run sfter drawing 1-1 at a Southampton team returning to form. Saido Mane lobbed Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to give the Saints a surprise lead on 17 minutes, but an inspired Eden Hazard equalised on the stroke of half-time.

The Blues pressed for a second-half winner, but were denied by a resolute Southampton defence, which lost the services of Morgan Schneiderlin who was ejected two minutes from time. This result is coming off the back of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over West Ham on Boxing Day.

After conquering West Brom on Boxing Day in a Midlands snow storm, Manchester City were stunned by a late Burnley fightback to end the game in a 2-2 draw. David Silva has continued his superb goal-scoring form when he gave City the lead on 23 minutes while Fernandinho’s stunning strike doubled the lead on 33 minutes.

The lead was cut early in the second half by George Boyd, who was fortunate to get a goal past Man City’s Joe Hart on 47 minutes. The tying goal came from Ashley Barnes who fired first time into the top corner with just nine minutes remaining. Manchester City’s next fixture is at home against bogey team Sunderland.

Manchester United put in arguably their best performance so far this season in beating Newcastle 3-1 at home on Boxing Day.

Manager Louis van Gaal bemoaned the lack of rest afforded to his team during the Christmas period between league fixtures and his is the reason he gave to explain Manchester United’s 0-0 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur. United named the same starting eleven from the Boxing Day fixture, the first time the Red Devils have named an unchanged team since November 2012, 85 league games ago.

Tottenham spent most of the first half on the back foot as United dominated, but the away team’s attack failed to make use of their chances. Spurs made greater attempts going forward in the second half, but were left to be satisfied with a draw.

With the top three failing to win their games, those positions remain unchanged as Chelsea continue to lead on 46 points with City in second on 43 while Manchester United trail on 36 points.

West Ham 1 – Arsenal 2

Newcastle 3 – Everton 2

Stoke 2 – West Brom 0

Editor’s Note: La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga are on Christmas break and will resume on January 3, 5,and 30 respectively.