Liverpool move second, Chelsea back to winning ways

Liverpool’s James Milner scores their second goal from the penalty spot - Action Images via Reuters

London (Reuters): Liverpool recovered from a poor start to beat Swansea City 2-1 and move second in the Premier League table on Saturday and Chelsea got back to winning ways at Hull City.

Outplayed for half the match by struggling Swansea and trailing to an early goal by Leroy Fer, Liverpool were a different proposition after the break and took the points thanks to a late James Milner penalty.

Liverpool, for whom Roberto Firmino equalised nine minutes after halftime, have won five of their opening seven matches and are on 16 points.

Chelsea, who had suffered back-to-back defeats by Liverpool and Arsenal, were held by Hull for an hour before curling shots from Willian and Diego Costa secured a 2-0 win that moved Antonio Conte’s side into sixth spot with 13 points.

Costa leads the Premier League scoring chart with six goals, although it was Chelsea’s defending that would have most pleased manager Antonio Conte after they had leaked seven goals in their last three games.

The day’s other three matches ended all square.

Dimitri Payet scored a dazzling equaliser to earn West Ham United a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough, although they remain in the bottom three with only one win from their opening seven.

France international Payet dribbled past several Boro defenders before scoring with a low shot.

Sunderland scrambled a late point -- only their second of the season - thanks to Patrick van Aanholt’s 83rd-minute equaliser at home to West Bromwich Albion who led through Nacer Chadli’s third goal in four league games.

They moved off the bottom above Stoke City who face a daunting trip to Manchester United on Sunday.

Watford shared four goals at home to Bournemouth with substitute Isaac Success securing a 2-2 draw.

The Premier League will pause next week for international action.