Premier League Results: Torres fires Chelsea back on track

Torres scored two against Sunderland

Spanish striker answers critics with two goals to sink Sunderland and hand boss first league win. Arsenal also return to winning ways and there's an early Christmas cracker in south Wales... 

Fernando Torres scored twice as Chelsea were matched at 1.8810/11 on their way to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The result provided Rafa Benitez's first Premier League win since taking over as Blues boss last month. 

The Spaniard struck twice in the first-half, with a volley and a penalty, before the impressive Juan Mata made it 0-3 after the break. Adam Johnson then scored the goal of the match as Sunderland suddenly came to life but, in the end, Chelsea hung on for a win which leaves them third in the table.  

Arsenal have had their fair share of problems in recent weeks but Mikel Arteta eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a brace of penalties - one in each half - at the Emirates. The first looked like a harsh decision, with Santi Cazorla going down easily in the box, but the second was fair enough as Chris Brunt fouled Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The win was the Gunners' first in four matches.

Game of the day was undoubtedly at the Liberty Stadium where Norwich stunned Swansea by storming in to a 3-0 first-half lead. The hosts hit back with two after the break before Robert Snodgrass scored the visitors' fourth. That eased the pressure and, when Michu grabbed another late goal for the Swans it was too late. For those who backed over 6.5 goals at 44.043/1, however, the Spaniard's goal was a delight. Norwich, who were once considered relegation candidates, are now 11th in the table.

Queens Park Rangers became the first team to go 16 matches without a Premier League after Wigan's James McCarthy scored a second-half equaliser at the DW Stadium. The good news for the Rs, however, is that they are now four games unbeaten under Harry Redknapp. Djibril Cisse and Ryan Nelsen were on target for the away team in a matched that finished 2-2 and they are 1.558/15 for relegation. 

Southampton are 2.226/5 for the drop after they won what could turn out to be relegation six pointer against Reading at St Mary's. James Puncheon fired the ball in to the left-hand corner of the away team's net to settle the match and leave Reading 1.321/3 favourites to go down.

Saints' win means they're now level on points with Aston Villa who drew 0-0 at home to Stoke. Paul Lambert's men have given improved performances in recent weeks but the most exciting moment in this dour affair came when Ryan Shotton was sent off for Stoke. The red card was matched at 6.411/2.