Champion winter in the 'boxing day'

* Tevez resolves a difficult compromise of Manchester in the area of Stoke City (0-1)

* The Aston Villa rose two goals against and increases the doubts of Arsenal (2-2)

Liverpool were given a tribute in the traditional 'Boxing Day' and signed a resounding victory at the Bolton (3-0) with two goals from Keane and another from Riera. The 'reds', who had tied in their last three duels at Anfield, will hold on the leadership of the Premiership despite a low of Fernando Torres, ruled out at the last minute of the call for Rafa Benitez.

In the absence of El Nino joined the Arbeloa, also ruled out on the list, and Mascherano, who rested on the bench. None of this affected the pentacampeón Europe, which won a new victory with a Spanish flavor. Shortly before the half hour, Riera gave the advantage after the first round off a corner launched from the right by Gerrard.

In the second half, Keane initialed the sentence with a volley after another with the left-handed pass from Gerrard and with a simple shot that crowned a counterattack born in the hands of Queen and led by Xabi Alonso. In this way, the group gave Benitez reply to the triumphs of his immediate followers and won the honorary title of winter champions at the end of the first round in front of the table.

The day of St. Stephen, which celebrates the day on which traditionally gave gifts to employees of wealthy families, was also conducive to Chelsea. The wards of Luiz Felipe Scolari, only one point on the head, were reconciled with Stamford Bridge, where he also added three games without a win and lapsed without strain at West Bromwich Albion, colista of the Premier. Two goals from Drogba and Lampard settled the clash left before the break.

Manchester United, meanwhile, won a provisional third place by winning 1-0 at Stoke City's feud thanks to a late Carlos Tevez both at minute 82. The 'red devils' took advantage of the expulsion of Wilkinson at the equator for the second time to win his fifth victory at home.

But nothing was placid in the Britannia Stadium for the recent world champion, who lost in warming to Rio Ferdinand through injury. The modest Stoke, newly promoted to the Premier, was taken out of the thorn embedded 5-0 at Old Trafford in mid-November. The 'red devils', with two games less by its commitments in the World clubs, are still seven points of the head.

The anger of the coach of Hull City

For his part, Manchester City came out of the drop to golear a loose Hull City (5-1) with two goals from Robinho, two of Caicedo and one more than Ireland. The group of Mark Hughes, who had won only two of their previous 13 commitments, took advantage of a weak rival, who left to rest so much with four against.

Nothing brought more rest, Phil Brown technical visitor, played one of the images of the day. Instead of waiting for the costumes, decided abroncar their footballers on the lawn, a few yards from where their fans were.

Golazo of sterile Diaby

Finally, the Aston Villa back to two goals against Arsenal and pulled a deserved draw in the time off (2-2). The whole of Birmingham enjoyed a handful of occasions before a mistake by Reo-Coker just before the break was tapped by Denilson to put the Londoners ahead.

Helped by the 0-1, the 'Gunners' doubled their advantage on 49 minutes after a spectacular goal by Diaby. The French side, with a beautiful race of heel in his field, launched a counterattack full power, relied on Eboue and went left of forces for Friedel to beat.

It seemed the sentence for Wenger, but a penalty for unnecessary Gallas gave oxygen to the Villa. Barry converted from 11 meters and the premises were turned in search of a tie. At minute 91, after rejecting in the area, the central Knight brought to justice in the light with an accurate zurdazo from the front. In this way, the Arsenal is 10 points in the leadership and 'villains' are consolidated in the Champions League zone.

Gerrard congratulates Keane after one of his goals at Bolton. (Photo: REUTERS)

Result Premier League; 26 December 2008

Stoke C. 0 - 1 Manchester U.

Chelsea 2 - 0 West Bromwich A.

Portsmouth 1 - 4 West Ham U.

Tottenham H. 0 - 0 Fulham

Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton W.

Manchester C. 5 - 1 Hull C.

Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Everton

Sunderland 0 - 0 Blackburn R.

Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 Newcastle U.

Aston Villa 2 - 2 Arsenal