Sensational Blues are new title favourites

FOR the first time this season the top of the Premier League market has changed with Chelsea now rated title favourites following a thrilling 3-1 win at Manchester City.

Chelsea, three points clear of the chasing pack and 11-8 to win the Premier League, trailed 1-0 at the Etihad before a storming second-half comeback saw them make it eight consecutive top-flight victories since Antonio Conte switched to a 3-4-3 formation.

Diego Costa equalised Gary Cahill’s own goal and further counter-attacking strikes from substitute Willian and Eden Hazard turned a superb game on its head.

City, who are out to 10-3 to win the title, saw their misery complete when Sergio Aguero was dismissed for an awful tackle on David Luiz and Fernandinho saw red in the subsequent melee.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Pep Guardiola as his City side wasted several chances to double their advantage, none more so than former Blue Kevin de Bruyne who blazed over from inside the six-yard box with the goal gaping.

Chelsea will see the forthcoming period as the perfect opportunity to pile the pressure on their title rivals.

The leaders have a dream run of fixtures to end 2016 with West Brom (home), Sunderland (away), Crystal Palace (away), Bournemouth (home) and Stoke (home) waiting for Conte’s rampant outfit. Hills are 7-2 that Chelsea win all five games.

Tottenham bounced back to winning ways with a 5-0 home success over Swansea as all five 3pm starts finished in home wins.

Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-1 in east London with Alexis Sanchez scoring a fabulous hat-trick.

Crystal Palace eased the pressure on Alan Pardew with a 3-0 triumph over Southampton and Stoke were 2-0 winners against Burnley. West Brom are up to sixth following their 3-1 victory over Watford and Leicester lost 2-1 at Sunderland.