Premier League: the best of the Boxing Day action – in pictures

In the day's early kick-off, Chelsea hosted west London neighbours Fulham at Stamford Bridge. A close range finish from Clint Dempsey cancelled out Juan Mata's earlier strike as Chelsea lost yet more ground in the title race. Fernando Torres, given his first Chelsea start in two months, failed to impress. Final score: 1-1 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Manchester City were stifled at the Hawthorns as West Brom became the first team this season to deny City from scoring. Mario Balotelli hit the woodwork from range for City while Jerome Thomas was prevented from scoring by the post at the opposite end. Final score: 0-0 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

City's draw meant that a victory for United would bring them level on points at the top of the table. United achieved it in some style, notching five goals as they put Wigan to the sword. Ji-sung Park gave United the lead before Conor Sammon was dismissed for catching Michael Carrick in the face. Dimitar Berbatov ultimately bagged a hat-trick, including a controversial penalty, as United exploited their numerical advantage. Final score: 5-0 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Liverpool had drawn five of their previous eight home games in the league this season, but hoped the visit of struggling Blackburn would provide three vital points. Instead Blackburn took the lead when Charlie Adam turned Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner into his own net. Maxi equalised after the break, but Blackburn were stubborn enough to resist a second goal. Final score: 1-1 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Leon Osman won a controversial penalty for Everton against Sunderland as he felled himself inside the box while air-kicking at the ball. Leighton Baines converted the spot-kick to cancel out Jack Colback's deflected first-half strike. Final score: 1-1 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Newcastle returned to winning ways at Bolton. The goals, by Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa, were scored within two second-half minutes. Final score 0-2 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The prospect of being a mascot at Stoke City v Aston Villa on Boxing Day didn't much appeal to this young chap. The game itself - the last kick-off of the day - was a desperate affair short of chances and quality. Both sides hit the woodwork but neither could find the goal. Final score: 0-0 Photograph: guardian.co.uk