LONDON: Arsenal strengthened their position in fourth place in the English Premier League after thrashing Norwich 5-0.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney put Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal comfortably in front before the break.

Saka added a goal before Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty and substitute Emile Smith Rowe completed Arsenal’s winning streak.

“We look so sharp and committed. It’s a big win for us,” Arteta said.

Spurs jumped to fifth, six points behind their London rivals, but played three games short, after beating Crystal Palace 3-0.

Palace, who applied for a postponement due to a COVID-19 problem plaguing their squad, were frustrated by the English Premier League and had to play without their manager Patrick Vieira.

The Eagles are still able to bring down their strongest squad with only one change made to a squad that has played before.

However, Spurs, given a new lease of life by Antonio Conte, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute through Harry Kane who scored his third league goal of the season.

Two minutes later, Lucas Moura headed in Spurs’ second goal and Palace’s hopes of bounce back became increasingly difficult after Wilfried Zaha was sent off before the break.

Son Heung-min completed the Spurs victory 16 minutes before the end of the game.

West Ham’s dream of returning to the top four faded when they were beaten 3-2 at home by Southampton.

The Saints took a three-time lead through Mohamed Elyounoussi, James Ward-Prowse and Jan Bednarek while West Ham goals were scored by Michail Antonio and Said Benrahma.