Arsenal have returned to the top of the Premier League after coming from a goal down to win 3 - 1 at West Ham.

Carlton Cole had given the Hammers the lead just after half-time but two goals from Theo Walcott turned the game on its head, before Lukas Podolski fired in a late third.

While Arsenal climb to first in the table, Sam Allardyce's side have slipped into the relegation zone.

Chelsea moved into second temporarily thanks to Eden Hazard's first half finish at home to Swansea, while Tim Sherwood's Tottenham had to settle for a 1 - 1 draw at home to West Brom despite Christian Eriksen's excellent opener from a free-kick. Jonas Olsson equalized to cancel out Spurs' lead.

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay remains under pressure after his side lost 3 - 0 at home to Southampton.

All three goals by Jay Rodriguez (2) and Rickie Lambert were scored within the opening half hour.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes also had a bad day at the office.

He was sent to the stands as his team lost 5 - 1 at Newcastle.

Ireland internationals Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson were sent off in the rout which saw Loic Remy (2), Yoan Gouffran, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse find the net.

Bottom of the table Sunderland were 1 - 0 winners at 10-man Everton who had goalkeeper Tim Howard red carded, while fellow strugglers Crystal Palace moved out of the bottom three with a 1 - 0 victory away to Aston Villa via a 90-minute strike from Dwight Gayle.

Fulham remain in the bottom three but were given some Christmas cheer with a 2 - 1 win at Norwich City.