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As it happenedended

Swansea vs Aston Villa live: Latest score after Leicester go eight points clear, Chelsea and West Ham draw

Follow all the thrills and spills as the Premier League hurtles into its closing weeks

David Hughes
Saturday 19 March 2016 06:33 EDT
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Rudy Gestede and Ashley Williams come to blows during the first half
Rudy Gestede and Ashley Williams come to blows during the first half (Getty Images)

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Welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of the Premier League with another fascinating clutch of matches at both ends of the table with the title race and relegation fight still wide open.

In the early kick-off Arsenal travel to Everton hoping to repair their fractured season. Meanwhile Chelsea, whose season is already in ruin, entertain top-four chasing West Ham United across the capital for a match which could underpin their unlikely hopes of securing Champions League qualification.

Table-toppers Leicester City, on the other hand, make the treacherous trip to face lowly Crystal Palace in the knowledge that Alan Pardew’s Eagles have previous when it comes to scuppering title bids, as Liverpool and Manchester City have discovered in recent years.

Watford face Stoke, Norwich meet West Bromwich Albion and Swansea welcome Aston Villa in a trio of massive games elsewhere on this most intriguing of weekends in the top-flight.

Today's matches...

  • Everton vs Arsenal – 12.45pm
  • Chelsea vs West Ham United – 3pm
  • Crystal Palace vs Leicester City – 3pm
  • Watford vs Stoke City – 3pm
  • West Bromwich Albion vs Norwich City – 3pm
  • Swansea City vs Aston Villa – 5.30pm 

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John Stones is coming on for Muhamed Besic for the second half. Roberto Martinez will be hoping he can provide some solidity against the rampaging Arsenal midfield...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 13:48

Kick-off: Arsenal get the second half started...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 13:48

With Stones on the pitch the hosts have moved to three at the back – Martinez will be hoping Baines and Coleman are freed up to supply the quality service Lukaku lacked in the first half...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 13:51

48 mins: Sanchez darts into the penalty area to pull back for Ozil, but the German's low effort is well blocked...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 13:51

49 mins: Sanchez again gets free to feed Ozil, but the German is JUST offside. Slightly ominous start to the second half from the Gunners...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 13:52

Ospina is being treated by the physios, but has got to his feet – luckily doesn't look like a head injury for the Arsenal stopper, but he will be sore nonetheless...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 14:10

Ospina is hobbling, but looks set to carry on – he got Koscielny to take the goal kick though, which was a satisfyingly Sunday League moment...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 14:11

69 mins: Huge chance for Everton! Corner is whipped in by Cleverly and met by Jagielka, who should score with Ospina left in no-man's land, but heads over! The referee inexplicably gives a goal-kick, but it was a clear miss from the defender with the goal gaping!

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 14:12

72 mins: Wonderful raking ball from Barkley gives Coleman the chance to set up Cleverley, whose effort is going well wide before being calmly blocked by Gabriel...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 14:15

73 mins: That's Barkley's final action as he comes off for Gerard Deulofeu to inject some much-needed pace and dynamism for the hosts...

Kristin Hugo19 March 2016 14:16

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