London, Dec 15 (IANS): Chelsea boosted their lead over the rest of the English Premier League (EPL) with a 1-0 away-win against bottom-placed Sunderland, while Liverpool dominated Middlesbrough 3-0 to claim second place -- six points behind the leaders.

In other matches on Wednesday, Manchester United needed a late goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to prevail 2-1 over Crystal Palace. Ibrahimovic also had a part in the first goal, providing an assist to Paul Pogba, reports Efe news agency.

Manchester United are in sixth place, 13 points behind Chelsea, who tied their own record of 10 consecutive wins, set in 2005-2006. Current United coach Jose Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea at that time.

Cesc Fabregas, making his return to the starting 11 after a long absence, got the goal for Chelsea, though goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also played a decisive role for the London club, making a pair of great saves.

Adam Lallana scored twice for Liverpool against Middlesbrough to bring the Reds to 34 points, the same as Arsenal, but the team from Merseyside enjoys a goal advantage over the Gunners, who slip to third place after losing 2-1 to Everton on Tuesday.

In fourth place are Manchester City, who got goals from Pablo Zabaleta and David Silva on Wednesday to top Watford 2-0 and end a two-match losing streak.

Tottenham Hotspur maintained their grip on the fifth spot, as Christian Eriksen contributed a brace in a 3-0 home win over Hull City.

The day's outstanding offensive performance was delivered by Salomon Rondon, who posted a hat trick in West Bromwich Albion's 3-1 victory against Swansea.

Better known for a stingy defence, West Brom has climbed to seventh place.

Struggling West Ham United escaped relegation by defeating Burnley 1-0.