Liverpool romp eight points clear, Forest up to second

Premier League leaders Liverpool ended their year in scintillating fashion with a 5-0 away victory at West Ham United that widened the gap at the top of the Premier League to eight points on Sunday.

Another wonderful display by Mohamed Salah powered Liverpool to their 14th win in 18 league games and while there is a long way to go, they currently look unstoppable.

Nottingham Forest, the only side to beat Liverpool this season, moved into second place with a 2-0 win at Everton. Reigning champions Manchester City enjoyed a morale-boosting victory by the same scoreline at Leicester City to move up to a distant fifth, 14 points behind Liverpool.

Injury-hit Tottenham Hotspur found little festive comfort as they were held to a 2-2 home draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers to leave them with one win from their last seven league games.

Fulham and Bournemouth - both mounting surprise challenges for European qualification - drew 2-2 at Craven Cottage, while Crystal Palace came from behind to beat bottom club Southampton 2-1 and ease further clear of danger.

Liverpool have now scored 14 goals in their last three Premier League games and lead the table with 45 points from 18 games with Forest on 37 from 19.

Arsenal, who play on Wednesday, have 36 points with Chelsea, in action on Monday against Ipswich Town, on 35.