Manchester City hit back to beat Leicester 3-1 as the champions kept alive their faint hopes of catching Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta got a glimpse of the problems that lie ahead as Everton and Arsenal shared a dreadful 0-0 draw on Saturday.

City have been left trailing in Liverpools wake this term and a defeat against second-placed Leicester would have been a fatal blow to their bid for a third successive title.

But goals from Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus gave Pep Guardiolas side a win that moved them within 11 points of Liverpool, who dont play this weekend due to their involvement in the Club World Cup.

Jamie Vardy had punished Citys defensive weakness against the counter-attack with a breakaway opener in the 22nd minute.

But former Leicester winger Mahrez equalised with a deflected 30th-minute effort and Gundogan stroked home a 43rd-minute penalty after Raheem Sterling was tripped by Ricardo Pereira.

Jesus extended third-placed Citys lead from Kevin De Bruynes cross in the 69th minute to leave Leicester 10 points behind Liverpool.

Liverpool, chasing a first English title since 1990, have a game in hand to bolster their lead and also face Leicester on Boxing Day.

Elsewhere, former Napoli boss Ancelotti was confirmed as Evertons new manager on Saturday morning, 24 hours after Arteta left his role as Manchester City assistant coach to take charge of Arsenal.

Both bosses were in the Goodison Park stands with Duncan Ferguson and Freddie Ljungberg in temporary charge of Everton and Arsenal for the final time.

And the lack of confidence of two sides struggling at the wrong end of the table was obvious in a match completely devoid of quality.

A point leaves Arsenal 11th and the Gunners have now won just once in their last 13 games in all competitions.

Everton move up to 15th but are only four points clear of the relegation zone.

Fergusons role in Evertons impressive victory over Chelsea and draw at Manchester United in their last two league games was enough to ensure the Scot a role in Ancelottis backroom staff.

What a fantastic performance we put in. I couldnt have asked for any more from them, theyve been incredible for me, Ferguson said.

On Ancelotti, Ferguson added: A guy of that pedigree coming here, I cant wait to start working under him.

Ljungberg, meanwhile, looks set to remain on the Gunners coaching staff and the Swede said: Ive been told by the club that they want me to stay.

I was very happy. We put a very young side on the pitch and gave them a chance.

“ Saints alive “

Southampton climbed out of the relegation zone at the expense of Aston Villa, who have now lost their last four league games.

Danny Ings struck for Southampton in the 21st minute at Villa Park, the in-form striker pouncing after Shane Longs shot was saved to net his 12th goal of the season and his sixth in his last seven games.

Jack Stephens doubled Southamptons lead 10 minutes later with a header from James Ward-Prowses corner.

Ings wrapped up Southamptons first win in three games when he punished Marvelous Nakambas poor defending in the 51st minute.

Jack Grealishs fine 75th-minute strike was no consolation for Villa, who sit three points behind Southampton.

Despite having two goals ruled out after VAR reviews, Sheffield United climbed to within one point of the top four as Oli McBurnies 23rd-minute strike clinched a 1-0 win at Brighton.

Wolves moved into sixth place as they fought back for a 2-1 win at second-bottom Norwich.

Miguel Almiron bagged his first Premier League goal at the 27th attempt to seal Newcastles 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, before the Paraguayan earned a buzz-killing booking for taking off his shirt to celebrate the 83rd-minute strike at St James Park.

Jay Rodriguezs 89th-minute goal handed Burnley a 1-0 win with their first shot on target at Bournemouth. (AFP)