High-flying Southampton thrashed Sunderland 8-0 in the Premier League on Saturday as unbeaten leaders Chelsea remained five points clear with a 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace.
Arsenal needed a stoppage-time equalizer to seal a 2-2 draw with Hull City.
Everton climbed up the table with a 3-0 win at home to Aston Villa, and at the bottom Newcastle United won for the first time in the Premier League this season, beating Leicester City 1-0, but struggling Burnley remained winless after a 3-1 loss to visitors West Ham United.
At St Mary’s, Southampton were 3-0 up at halftime, the goal rush starting when Sunderland’s Santiago Vergini put one into his own net while attempting a clearance in the 12th minute. Graziano Pelle made it 2-0 six minutes later and there was more misery for Sunderland fans when Jack Cork turned in from close range.
The goals kept coming in the second half, Liam Bridcutt diverting Pelle’s shot into his own net for a second own-goal of the match before Pelle, Dusan Tadic, Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane piled on the agony for Sunderland as Southampton recorded the biggest top-flight victory in their history.
“I think it’s the most embarrassing time I’ve had on a football pitch,” Sunderland manager Gus Poyet said.
“I learned a lot about the players today — the bad side as some gave up, and I know who they are,” he said.
Saints boss Ronald Koeman was delighted.
“I’m very pleased. Still a little bit in shock,” Koeman said. “We played great football, we scored great goals and it was a great afternoon.”
At Selhurst Park, Oscar’s brilliant long-range free-kick gave Chelsea a sixth-minute lead, but five minutes before the break, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta was shown a red card for diving in two-footed on Mile Jedinak.
However, there was still time in the first half for Palace to also be reduced to 10 men, with Damien Delaney dismissed for a second bookable offense after hauling back Loic Remy.
Chelsea doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Cesc Fabregas rounded off a neat move, before Palace pulled a goal back in the last minute of normal time through Fraizer Campbell.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said it was too soon to talk of the title.
“In the Premier League the only thing I can say is that we can do it, but in the Premier League it’s difficult to say we are going to do it,” Mourinho said.
Alexis Sanchez put Arsenal ahead in the 13th minute at the Emirates Stadium before Mohamed Diame leveled for Hull minutes later.
Hull went ahead early in the second half when Abel Hernandez headed home a Tom Huddlestone cross.
England forward Danny Welbeck equalized in stoppage-time.
“They had two shots and scored two goals, but we had to keep going and that saved us a point in the end,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
“It is a long time since we’ve dominated so much and not won the game,” he added.
West Ham went into the top four with early second-half goals from Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia at Turf Moor.
George Boyd pulled a goal back for Burnley before Hammers substitute Carlton Cole sealed victory.
Everton saw off Villa at Goodison Park thanks to goals from captain Phil Jagielka, Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman.
At St James’ Park, kickoff was delayed after repairs had to be made to one of the giant TV screens after it was dislodged by strong winds.
The wait was worthwhile for Newcastle’s long-suffering fans when Gabriel Obertan’s 71st-minute goal sealed a desperately needed victory.
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