Arsenal retained their top position.

A late strike first from Danish striker, Niclas Bendtner, in the 88th minute and another in the second minute of extra time off the boots of Theo Walcott secured a vital 2-0 win for Arsenal in their New Year day fixture at the Emirates against Cardiff City.

Before the breakthrough, the Gunners had huffed and puffed for the major part of play with no success as Cardiff goalkeeper stood tall in between the sticks.

The Week 20 fixture was already looking to end in a stalemate before Bendtner popped up to register Arsenal’s first goal. Walcott sealed all three points that keeps Arsenal in number one position at least for another week.

In other New Year day fixtures, Chelsea gave a ruthless second half display against Southampton, defeating their host 0-3 to stay firm in the Barclays Premier League title race; two positions and two points behind Arsenal.

Liverpool defeated Hull City 2-0; Stoke City and Everton settled for a 1-1 draw, the same way Crystal Palace and Norwich City also ended their tie.

Fulham continued their gradual move up the log with a 2-1 win over West Ham United. Aston Villa also earned a vital lone goal win over Sunderland to finally halt their poor run in the League.