Relegation rivals West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion played out a richly entertaining 3-3 draw at Upton Park on Saturday as the Premier League's jam-packed festive schedule continued.
West Ham led twice, first through Joe Cole, and then Kevin Nolan, but on each occasion they were pegged back by the visitors, who remain without a permanent head coach following the sacking of Steve Clarke.
Nicolas Anelka broke his West Brom duck with a quick-fire brace to cancel out Cole's fourth-minute opener and put the away team ahead, with Saido Berahino netting a 69th-minute equaliser after goals from Modibo Maiga and Nolan had restored West Ham's lead.
The goal from Berahino, who later hit the post from a free-kick, prevented West Ham from climbing out of the relegation zone and left West Brom two points above the bottom three in 15th place.
With leaders Arsenal not in action until Sunday, when they visit Newcastle United, Manchester City will take over at the top of the table if they avoid defeat at home to Crystal Palace later on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Manchester United can move level on points with fifth-place Everton if they win at Norwich City, while Cardiff City will start life without sacked manager Malky Mackay when they host bottom club Sunderland. – AFP