Premier League as it happened: Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool - Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

As for Stoke, they fought well but ultimately did not have the necessary quality to bounce back after the disappointment of conceding the second goal in avoidable circumstances.

Hughes' side remain in 10th place level on points with West Ham, although they have now suffered three straight defeats.

That is all from us for now, good night.

It's all over in West London and Chelsea have secured a timely win that extends their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with Manchester City, now third, not in action until Monday night.

Losing Costa to injury once again will undoubtedly come as a blow, but with the irrepressible Hazard in this sort of form, they should surely have enough to get over the line and secure a first title since 2010.

Full-time score:

Chelsea 2-1 Stoke

The ball breaks kindly on the edge of the Chelsea box for Arnautovic but he can only shoot wildly over the bar under pressure.

Four minutes of stoppage time to come. Will Chelsea extend their lead or can Stoke find an equaliser?

Begovic atones for his part in Chelsea's second by twice denying Cuadrado in impressive fashion.

The Colombian, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Fiorentina in January, is still searching for his first Blues goal.

Two final changes for Stoke: Erik Pieters replaces Adam while Peter Crouch is brought on at the expense of Ireland.

Mark Hughes has been rightly praised for altering Stoke's previously harsh style of play during his time at the club, but the visitors have not been shy to demonstrate their physicality tonight as Wollscheid joins Shawcross, Adam, Stephen Ireland and Glenn Whelan in the referee's notebook.

A little over 15 minutes remaining.

Stoke come close to spoiling Chelsea's day once again as N'Zonzi curls one just wide of Courtois' right-hand post.

A second goal in as many games is Remy's final contribution to the evening as he is replaced by Juan Cuadrado. Marko Arnautovic is on for Mame Biram Diouf.

Chelsea have not dwelt for long on that blow, however, and they have now restored their advantage shortly after the hour mark.

Begovic bowls the ball out towards N'Zonzi, but the ball is intercepted by Willian who feeds the lightning quick Hazard.

Hazard surges into the penalty box before unselfishly squaring to Remy who gratefully taps the ball into an empty net.

Goal: Chelsea 2-1 Stoke (Loic Remy)

Another smart save from Begovic after a floated free-kick from Willian just misses the head of Branislav Ivanovic.

But it's more bad news on the injury front for Costa, as the substitute limps off after just 12 minutes of action to be replaced by Didier Drogba.

Mourinho seemed sure that he was fit after another hamstring problem, but it looks like he could be set for another spell on the sidelines.

Another strong save from Begovic as he has his palms stung by a fizzed effort from Hazard.

One change for Chelsea at the break as Costa is brought on for Oscar. Remy now playing in support of the Spaniard with Willian and Hazard on either side.

Chelsea largely dominated the first half and looked en route to a comfortable victory before that stunning 59-yard equaliser from Adam.

Half-time score:

Chelsea 1-1 Stoke

What. A. Goal. Sublime from Adam as he embarrasses Thibaut Courtois by beating him from his own half with an audacious lob.

Incredible finish that you will be seeing for some time to come.

Goal: Chelsea 1-1 Stoke (Charlie Adam)

Stoke's resistance is finally broken in the 38th minute as referee Jon Moss rightly points to the spot following a clumsy sliding challenge from Philipp Wollscheid on Cesc Fabregas.

It was a stonewall penalty and Hazard steps up to roll it coolly past Begovic. Supporters at Stamford Bridge breathe a sigh of relief.

Goal: Chelsea 1-0 Stoke (Eden Hazard)

Hazard demonstrates his quality with a skillful burst on the edge of the box before firing at Begovic. Chelsea's number 10 then turns provider for Oscar, but he can't find the target.

Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross shown a yellow card for an uncompromising challenge on the Brazilian.

A bright moment for Stoke as Steven N'Zonzi is gifted possession by a woeful Nemanja Matic clearance. However, the French midfielder can only curl his shot over.

Remy proving dangerous again as he works the left-hand channel well before seeing another shot smothered by Begovic.

A threatening run from Eden Hazard culminates in the Belgian lashing a shot high over the crossbar.

Plenty of intent from Chelsea, but a lack of quality end product so far.

Chelsea well on top in the opening stages here, as you might expect. Remy cuts in and drags a shot past Begovic's left-hand post.

The former QPR striker is evidently keen to impress in the absence of Diego Costa.

An early chance for Chelsea sees Asmir Begovic at full stretch to deny a deflected shot from Remy.

The final Premier League fixture of the day is now underway as Chelsea kick-off against Stoke looking to correct a slightly iffy run of home form by their usual imperious standards.

A fifth straight league win for Manchester United, who leapfrog Manchester City into third.

Leicester are now four points adrift of safety following that tense victory over West Ham, while QPR will have Sunderland peering nervously over their shoulders ahead of Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby after closing the gap to just one solitary point.

A narrow defeat for Southampton at Goodison Park all but ends their chances of finishing in the top four.

Full-time scores:

Leicester 2-1 West Ham

Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

Swansea 2-1 Hull

West Brom 1-4 QPR

Everton 1-0 Southampton

QPR manager Chris Ramsey was targeting two victories from their matches against West Brom and Aston Villa and they have made the perfect start with a big win today.

Captain Barton rounds things off in added time.

Goal: West Brom 1-4 QPR (Joey Barton)

That's a brace for Herrera, who is proving his worth to Louis van Gaal after combining well with Rooney and compatriot Juan Mata.

Goal: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa (Ander Herrera)

A thoroughly miserable afternoon for West Brom gets worse as combative midfielder Mulumbu becomes the third Premier League player to be dismissed today after fouling Joey Barton.

Swansea have made sure of victory over Hull after Gomis' second goal of the afternoon. The Frenchman provides a chipped finish following a pass from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Goal: Swansea 3-1 Hull (Bafetimbi Gomis)

Red card: Youssouf Mulumbu (West Brom)

Leicester are without a win in nine games in all competitions this season as they continue to struggle with life in the Premier League, yet look to be on course for victory this afternoon after Welsh international King diverts a scuffed Jamie Vardy shot past Adrian.

Goal: Leicester 2-1 West Ham (Andy King)

Two goals in quick succession at Old Trafford as Manchester United double their advantage courtesy of an excellent strike from Rooney before having their lead immediately cut back to one goal.

Benteke grabs his sixth of the season after latching on to a corner from Joe Cole.

Goal: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa (Christian Benteke)

Goal: Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa (Wayne Rooney)

Jose Mourinho did not confirm whether Costa would be fit enough to start following the hamstring injury that saw him withdraw from international duty last week and he starts on the bench.

Loic Remy, who scored the winner after replacing Costa at Hull in Chelsea's last top-flight outing, continues to deputise for the Premier League's joint-top scorer while Oscar and Cesar Azpilicueta also come in for Ramires and Filipe Luis.

Some more team news for you now, with Chelsea set to welcome Stoke to Stamford Bridge for a 17:30 (BST) kick-off...

Chelsea team to face Stoke: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Remy

Subs: Cech, Zouma, Filipe Luis, Ramires, Cuadrado, Drogba, Diego Costa

Stoke team to face Chelsea: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Wilson; Ireland, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam; Walters, Diouf

Subs: Butland, Bardsley, Pieters, Muniesa, Arnautovic, Sidwell, Crouch

A half-time substitution from Tony Pulis pays dividends as Anichebe, who was introduced at the expense of Stephane Sessegnon, gives West Brom a sliver of hope after heading home Saido Berahino's cross.

Goal: West Brom 1-3 QPR (Victor Anichebe)

A nightmare for Steve Bruce as Hull are down to 10 men just minutes after reducing the deficit against Swansea.

Meyler is the man who has been dismissed, shown a straight red card after leaving Kyle Naughton in a crumpled heap.

Naughton has been replaced by Angel Rangel in the aftermath of that challenge.

Red card: David Meyler (Hull)

Hull, who pushed Chelsea all the way prior to the international break before suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat, are back in contention at the Liberty Stadium as a Brady free-kick finds its way into the back of the net via a touch from McShane. An unlikely scorer.

Goal: Swansea 2-1 Hull (Paul McShane)

We are back underway across the Premier League...

Half-time scores:

Leicester 1-1 West Ham

Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

Swansea 2-0 Hull

West Brom 0-3 QPR

Everton 1-0 Southampton

The deadlock has finally been broken at Old Trafford, where Manchester United now lead after Herrera converts a pass from Blind. Wayne Rooney and Rojo have also gone close to doubling Manchester United's lead.

QPR are absolutely cruising in the Midlands, meanwhile, and Zamora will be delighted with the quality of that finish as he lobs Myhill from distance.

Surely no coming back now for West Brom, who have generally been resolute defensively since Pulis replaced Alan Irvine as manager in January.

Goal: West Brom 0-3 QPR (Bobby Zamora)

Goal: Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa (Ander Herrera)

West Ham equalise through Kouyate, while QPR have put themselves on course for only a second away win of the season as Austin heads home after a Matty Phillips corner.

Swansea have also increased their control over Hull as Gomis volleys home from inside the penalty area.

Goal: Swansea 2-0 Hull (Bafetimbi Gomis)

Goal: West Brom 0-2 QPR (Charlie Austin)

Goal: Leicester 1-1 West Ham (Cheikhou Kouyate)

South Korean midfielder Ki has put Swansea ahead at the Liberty Stadium, prodding home from close range after Jonjo Shelvey's shot was saved by Allan McGregor.

Manchester United v Aston Villa is now the only Premier League fixture of the day yet to see a goal, with a little under 25 minutes gone at Old Trafford.

Goal: Swansea 1-0 Hull (Ki Sung-Yeung)

A rare away goal for QPR as Vargas justifies his inclusion at The Hawthorns by rifling a 25-yard strike past Boaz Myhill. A lifeline for Chris Ramsey's side, perhaps, although still a long way to go.

Meanwhile, at Goodison Park, Everton are ahead after captain Phil Jagielka steers home a Gareth Barry cross.

Goal: Everton 1-0 Southampton (Phil Jagielka)

Goal: West Brom 0-1 QPR (Eduardo Vargas)

Joy rather rapidly runs to despair for the Foxes, however, as David Nugent sees a penalty saved by Adrian after Carl Jenkinson had felled Leonardo Ulloa.

Could the former England striker be made to regret that miss?

The first goal of the afternoon comes from the King Power, where rock-bottom Leicester have taken the lead against West Ham courtesy of a long-range half-volley from experienced midfielder Cambiasso.

Goal: Leicester 1-0 West Ham (Esteban Cambiasso)

Speaking of Manchester United, they make one change to their starting XI today as Marcos Rojo replaces Chris Smalling, with the latter having failed to recover from illness.

Tim Sherwood, meanwhile, makes three changes as Matt Lowton, Carlos Sanchez and Andreas Weimann replace Scott Sinclair, Leandro Bacuna and the ineligible Tom Cleverley.

Jeffrey Schlupp is passed fit for Leicester as they welcome West Ham to the King Power Stadium. Winston Reid replaces Matt Jarvis for the visitors.

Swansea are unchanged for the visit of Hull, who make just one alteration to their lineup with Robbie Brady in for Andy Robertson.

Jonas Olsson and the suspended Craig Dawson are replaced by Chris Brunt and Brown Ideye for Tony Pulis' West Brom while QPR opt for Eduardo Vargas ahead of Junior Hoilett.

Lastly, Romelu Lukaku and Darron Gibson miss Everton's clash against Southampton through injury while Steven Pienaar makes a rare appearance in the matchday squad. Gareth Barry and Arouna Kone both start.

The Saints have veteran club captain Kelvin Davis back between the posts and show three other changes from the side that eased to victory over Burnley prior to the international break.

We are underway in the 3pm kick-offs....

A thoroughly pleasing result for everybody concerned with Arsenal. They started wonderfully, endured a lull midway through the first half before taking control before the break and never looking likely to record anything other than a comfortable victory.

It is probably a little late to label them as genuine title challengers, but second place is certainly up for grabs in light of Manchester City's recent wobble. If leaders Chelsea do collapse, though, Wenger's side will be ready to capitalise after a seventh successive league win.

For Liverpool, meanwhile, it is a second consecutive defeat and an emphatic end to their proud defensive record away from Anfield. If Manchester United can beat Aston Villa today, then they will be eight points behind in the race for fourth.

One wonders how much impact the Sterling saga has had on their frame of mind this week.

Full-time score:

Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool

This afternoon just gets better and better for Arsenal as Giroud adds a fourth in fine style to extend his own scoring run to 10 goals in his last 10 matches in all competitions.

With Liverpool visibly tiring, he accepts a pass from Sanchez in oceans of space and shows good footwork before rifling an effort beyond the despairing Mignolet.

Welbeck then tries for a fifth but drags a hopeful shot wide from a difficult angle.

Goal: Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool (Olivier Giroud)

A lovely passing move from Arsenal culminates in Cazorla rattling the post. Four minutes of added time to be played with the Gunners coasting to another important win.

Arsenal have been relatively comfortable since conceding the penalty and now boast a numerical advantage after Can is rightly shown a second yellow for scything down Welbeck in the corner.

The German professed innocence, but it was an extremely clumsy challenge that gave the referee no option whatsoever.

Red card: Emre Can (Liverpool)

Henderson, Liverpool's captain in the absence of the suspended Steven Gerrard, steps up and just about squeezes his spotkick under Ospina.

12 minutes left to go, can Liverpool mount an unlikely comeback?

Goal: Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool (Jordan Henderson)

We will provide some context to that deluge of team news following the full-time whistle at the Emirates, where Liverpool now have a penalty after Bellerin brings down Sterling with an ill-timed sliding challenge.

Mystifying as to how he has avoided a second yellow card, however.

Leicester v West Ham

Leicester: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Huth, Schlupp, Cambiasso, James, Mahrez, Nugent, Vardy, Ulloa

Subs: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Drinkwater, King, Albrighton, Wasilewski, Kramaric

West Ham: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Nolan, Kouyate, Downing, Sakho, Noble, Jenkinson, Collins, Song

Subs: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Amalfitano, Jarvis, Cole, Nene

Manchester United v Aston Villa

Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney

Subs: Valdes, Rafael, McNair, A Pereira, Januzaj, Di Maria, Falcao

Aston Villa: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Lowton, Delph, Sanchez, N'Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke

Subs: Given, Vlaar, Bacuna, Cole, Gil, Baker, Grealish

Swansea v Hull

Swansea: Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Cork, Ki, Shelvey, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Gomis

Subs: Tremmel, Amat, Rangel, Grimes, Emnes, Dyer, Oliveira

Hull: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce, McShane, Elmohamady, Ramirez, Livermore, Meyler, Brady, N'Doye, Hernandez

Subs: Rosenior, Chester, Diame, Sagbo, Harper, Aluko, Quinn

West Brom v QPR

West Brom: Myhill, Baird, McAuley, Lescott, Brunt, Gardner, Fletcher, Morrison, Sessegnon, Berahino, Ideye

Subs: Rose, Wisdom, Pocognoli, Olsson, Yacob, Mulumbu, Anichebe

QPR: Green; Suk-Young, Caulker, Onouha, Isla; Vargas, Barton, Sandro, Phillips; Austin, Zamora

Subs: McCarthy, Hill, Kranjcar, Henry, Hoilett, Doughty, Sutherland

Everton v Southampton

Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman, Barry, McCarthy, Osman, Barkley, Lennon, Kone

Subs: Joel, Mirallas, Naismith, Besic, Pienaar, Garbutt, Alcaraz

Southampton: Davis, Bertrand, Fonte, Alderweireld, Clyne, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Elia, Long, Pelle

Subs: Gazzaniga, Yoshida, Mane, Tadic, Duricic, Reed, Targett

A rousing round of applause for Ramsey as he makes way for Mathieu Flamini at the 60-minute mark.

We are going to move away from this game just for a brief moment to bring you team news ahead of the five 3pm (BST) kick-offs. Stay tuned...

A glorious reflex save from Mignolet stops Arsenal making it 4-0.

Giroud rises above Toure to convert a pinpoint cross but his bullet header is somehow diverted over the crossbar.

At the other end, Ospina is called into action as Can curls a shot past Gabriel to the Colombian's near post. The subsequent corner comes to nothing.

A half-chance for either side as Olivier Giroud powers a low long-range shot straight at Mignolet and Sterling fires over. He might not be endearing himself to Arsenal fans with this finishing.

Liverpool's frustrations are starting to show a little here as Emre Can talks his way into a yellow card following a late challenge on Cazorla.

A first substitute for Arsenal too, as Brazilian centre-back Gabriel enters the fray in place of Koscielny, who looks to be injured.

The teams are back out and the second half is now underway.

Rodgers has made one change at the break, with Sturridge replacing Markovic in a bid to reduce the deficit.

Wenger will be delighted with his side's strong finish to that half, although Rodgers will surely be seething with his woeful defence.

Moreno and Toure in particular could have done far more in an effort to prevent the first and third goals. Liverpool have had opportunities, but their lacklustre defending has cost them dearly.

An astonishing end to the first half as Arsenal stretch their lead even further to leave Liverpool needing a miracle to avoid defeat.

This time it's Sanchez, who collects possession from Ramsey before gliding past Toure and lashing an unstoppable effort past Mignolet.

Three goals in eight minutes for Arsenal and the half-time whistle has now been sounded by referee Anthony Taylor. Breathless stuff.

Goal: Arsenal 3-0 Liverpool (Alexis Sanchez)

A quickfire double from the hosts and Liverpool, having successfully negotiated that early pressure, are now sinking without trace.

Mesut Ozil claims Arsenal's second, bending a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out. Clever blocking from Mertesacker in the wall during the build-up to that goal.

Goal: Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool (Mesut Ozil)

The curse of the foolish blogger. Just as it appears Liverpool had regained an element of control in defence, Arsenal go in front courtesy of Spanish full-back Bellerin.

After being given far too much time and space by compatriot Alberto Moreno, Bellerin cuts inside from the right-hand side and curls a wonderful effort past Mignolet.

Goal: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool (Hector Bellerin)

The game is starting to settle down a little after a fairly frantic opening. Arsenal are struggling to create to create any clear-cut chances after twice being denied by the rejuvenated Mignolet early on.

Another chance for Sterling as he escapes the attentions of Laurent Koscielny before firing wide.

Mamadou Sakho is now limping after a tackle on Ramsey and looks to have sustained a blow to the ankle.

Perhaps Lovren will feature today after all, with Martin Skrtel suspended as a result of his stamp on David de Gea a fortnight ago.

Liverpool have reacted well to Arsenal's early dominance and spurn arguably the best chance of the game so far as Lazar Markovic breaks into the penalty area but elects to try and find the run of Sterling rather than shoot at Ospina's goal.

The pass is badly overhit and Sterling fails to make any contact with the goalkeeper stranded.

Coutinho also goes close with a long-range effort that zips wide of the right-hand post.

A desperately poor start from Liverpool, this. Arsenal are pressing them high and persistently all over the pitch and they continue to give the ball away under significant pressure.

It could be a long afternoon for Rodgers and co.

To Wenger's satisfaction, Arsenal have started very quickly indeed and Mignolet has to be alert to keep out a low effort from Santi Cazorla.

The Belgian is called into action once again shortly after to deny Aaron Ramsey after Kolo Toure was inexplicably caught in possession by Olivier Giroud.

Toure recovers to clear away from Cazorla just as he is about to net the rebound.

Who will come out on top in the battle of the Premier League's form teams of 2015? We are underway at the Emirates...

It will certainly be interesting to see what sort of reception Sterling receives from the travelling support this afternoon.

While he insists that his decision to postpone contract talks until the summer is not motivated by money, many will question why, aged just 20, he is not content with a regular place in Liverpool's first team.

Arsenal have a history trying to nab Rodgers' top players, of course, having failed to secure a deal for Luis Suarez in the summer of 2013 after confusion regarding the controversial striker's buyout clause.

Wenger was coy on any links to Sterling in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, although he could not deny his admiration for his ability.

Arsenal are currently in excellent form and a strong run of six consecutive Premier League victories has seen them rise to third in the Premier League, just one point behind Manchester City and seven adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Liverpool, meanwhile, saw their own impressive unbeaten run ended by rivals Manchester United at Anfield last time out and another defeat today would come as a serious blow to their hopes of securing Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season.

They currently trail United by five points with Louis van Gaal's team hosting strugglers Aston Villa later today.

We have around 30 minutes until kick-off in North London.

For Arsenal, Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker and the much-maligned Mesut Ozil return to the starting lineup as Calum Chambers, Gabriel and Danny Welbeck all drop out.

Like Sturridge, Welbeck is considered fit enough for a place on the bench after missing the friendly in Turin with a hamstring issue.

Wojciech Szczesny is a notable absentee for Arsene Wenger's side with a rib injury and his place among the substitutes is taken by young Matt Macey. David Ospina continues as first-choice goalkeeper.

So, Raheem Sterling starts for Liverpool after a difficult week in which he was heavily linked with a potential move to Arsenal after confirming that he had rejected a lucrative offer to extend his contract at Anfield.

The England attacker, who scored his first international goal against Lithuania at Wembley last week but was excused from the friendly in Italy due to a toe problem, starts as a striker with Daniel Sturridge fit enough for a place on the substitutes' bench after a hip injury.

Brendan Rodgers looks to be employing a rather cautious approach, with Philippe Coutinho like to play in support of Sterling and the defensive-minded Lucas slotting into midfield. There seems to be some confusion as to whether the recalled Lazar Markovic or Jordan Henderson will be featuring at right-wing back.

Kolo Toure is preferred to Dejan Lovren in defence, meanwhile, while a certain Mario Balotelli does not make the squad with Fabio Borini on the bench alongside Sturridge.

Arsenal team to face Liverpool: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud

Subs: Macey, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Rosicky, Walcott, Welbeck

Liverpool team to face Arsenal: Mignolet, Can, Toure, Sakho, Allen, Lucas, Moreno, Henderson, Coutinho, Markovic, Sterling

Subs: Jones, Johnson, Lovren, Sturridge, Manquillo, Borini, Brannagan

Good morning and welcome to IBTimes UK's live coverage of Saturday's Premier League action.

There are seven games in total taking place today, beginning with a heavyweight clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

Team news ahead of that fixture to follow...