Chelsea have finally taken the Premier League’s top spot after a brilliant display against visiting Newcastle United on a day when erstwhile leaders Arsenal suffered a heavy defeat and second-placed Manchester City drew blank away to Norwich.

Lethal goal poacher Eden Hazard made all the difference at Stamford Bridge with a hat-trick that saw the Blues leaping ahead of Arsenal with 56 points from 25 matches. Arsenal are now second with a point less, with City third with 54 points and Liverpool fourth with 50 points after thrashing Arsenal 5-1 at the Anfield.

Against Newcastle, who failed to take their chances, hazard struck in the 27, 34 and 63 minutes – the last off the penalty spot after Yanga-Mbiwa hauled down Samuel Eto’o in the vital area.

1 Chelsea 25 27 56

2 Arsenal 25 22 55

3 Man City 25 41 54

4 Liverpool 25 33 50

Liverpool 5 - 1 Arsenal

Aston Villa 0 - 2 West Ham

Chelsea 3 - 0 Newcastle

Crystal Palace 3 - 1 West Brom

Norwich 0 - 0 Man City

Southampton 2 - 2 Stoke

Sunderland 0 - 2 Hull

•Photo shows Eden Hazard in action.

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