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56 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 MARCH 2016 Sport FOOTBALL Leicester stay on track for title with victory at Crystal Palace LEICESTER extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Pre- mier League to eight points with a hard-earned 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. The Foxes went ahead on 34 minutes, with Riyad Mahrez sweeping in a cross from the left by England forward Jamie Vardy. Palace saw Damian Delaney's close-range effort hit the crossbar in stoppage time as the winless run in the Premier League for the FA Cup semi-finalists moved on to 13 games. Arsenal closed up to within three points of second-placed Tot- tenham, who host Bournemouth on Sunday, following a comfort- able 2-0 victory at Everton. The Gunners, knocked out of both the FA Cup and then Cham- pions League, took an early lead through Danny Welbeck on seven minutes. Teenage forward Alex Iwobi marked his first Premier League start with a first senior goal, the 19-year-old doubling Arsenal's lead three minutes before half- time following a strong run into the right side of the penalty area. Everton, through to the semi-fi- nals of the FA Cup, failed to mount a recovery as Arsene Wenger's men closed out what was a first league win since beating Leicester on February 14. Norwich moved out of the rel- egation zone with a 1-0 victory at West Brom - a first win in 11 league matches. The Canaries, who had yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the league, took the lead five minutes into the second half with a close-range effort by Rob- bie Brady. The Republic of Ireland mid- fielder was later substituted af- ter an awkward fall on his neck, which could see him an injury doubt for the upcoming interna- tionals against Switzerland and Slovakia. Following the lengthy stoppage, there were some six minutes of added time, but the visitors closed out a much-needed win. Sunderland travel to Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sun- day, when a victory would lift them back above Norwich. Cesc Fabregas scored a contro- versial late penalty as Chelsea drew 2-2 against West Ham at Stamford Bridge. The Irons went in front on 17 minutes through a fine 20-yard curling effort from Manuel Lan- zini. Chelsea were level in stop- page time at the end of the first half when midfielder Fabregas whipped a free-kick up over the wall and past Adrian from outside the area. Substitute Andy Carroll re- stored West Ham's lead shortly after coming on when his angled shot found its way past Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois in the 61st minute. Just when it seemed the Ham- mers were set to move into the top four above Manchester City, who host rivals United on Sunday, referee Robert Madley pointed to the spot when Ruben Loftus Cheek looked to have tripped over himself in the penalty area on 89 minutes. Fabregas sent Adrian the wrong way to secure a share of the points for the home side. Stoke are seventh after they won 2-1 at Watford. The visitors took the lead on 18 minutes when Jon Walters tapped in a low cross from right-back Phil Bardsley at the far post. Spanish midfielder Joselu dou- bled the visitors' advantage in the 51st minute with a lob over Hor- nets keeper Heurelho Gomes. Watford pulled a goal back with four minutes to go from a header by Troy Deeney. Leaders Leicester won 1-0 at Crystal Palace