Manchester United down Newcastle

Manchester: Wayne Rooney scored twice in the first half as resurgent Manchester United easily beat Newcastle 3-1 Friday to strengthen its grip on third place in the Premier League. Rooney was set up well by his teammates for both goals as Radamel Falcao met a long cross into the area in the 23rd minute, sliding to reach the ball at the far post and square a perfect pass for Rooney to tap into an empty net.

Falcao then helped United win possession just outside the Newcastle area in the 36th, and Juan Mata laid the ball off for a wide-open Rooney to slot a low shot inside the post.

Robin van Persie added the third in the 53rd minute for a convincing victory at Old Trafford, despite Papiss Cisse pulling one back with a late penalty for Newcastle.

Chelsea Blues for West Ham

Earlier, Premier League leaders Chelsea showed West Ham United no Christmas cheer on Friday with a one-sided 2-0 Boxing Day victory that enhanced their status as title favourites.

Goals in each half from John Terry and Diego Costa his 13th of the campaign earned Jose Mourinho’s side a win that enabled them to open up a provisional six-point lead over second-place Manchester City.

Fourth-place West Ham were expected to provide a stern test after a run of five games without defeat, but despite hitting the woodwork late on, Sam Allardyce’s team were well beaten in what was the London rivals’ 100th encounter.

“We played a very good game against a very difficult opponent. When we scored, we had the game always under control,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. Eden Hazard overcame a knock to start for Chelsea and he proved a bewitching presence as the hosts swarmed all over their opponents from the start.