Daniel Sturridge struck twice to keep Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes alive with a thrilling 4-3 win over Swansea City yesterday.

The win lifted Liverpool back to within four points of leaders Chelsea while Newcastle United ended a three-match losing streak when Loic Remy scored a stoppage-time winner to seal a 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

Sturridge became only the second player to score in eight successive Premier League matches when he grabbed a third-minute opener and Jordan Henderson put Liverpool in control before Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfried Bony drew Swansea level.

Sturridge, who matched former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy’s feat, was on target again before the break, only for Bony to equalise once more from the penalty spot.

Henderson clinched the points for the hosts 16 minutes from time at Anfield, keeping them fourth with 56 points from 27 matches.

Arsenal are second, one point behind Chelsea, with Manchester City a further two points back in third.

“A wonderful victory for us at Anfield. I think Swansea played really well here, especially when we were 2-0 up to come back into the game,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports at the end of the match.

“An outstanding result for us and again typified the character of this team.”

Newcastle, who had lost their past three matches and not scored in four, appeared to be on their way to another disappointing result before Remy, returning after a three-match suspension, struck with moments remaining at St James’s Park.

Having hit the base of the post after 88 minutes, the on-loan Frenchman made no mistake when the ball fell to him in the middle of the box, giving Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan no chance with Newcastle’s first home goal in the league since late December.

In the other match yesterday, Robert Snodgrass scored early in the second half to earn Norwich City a precious 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and ease the pressure on under-fire manager Chris Hughton.

Media reports in the UK emerged during the week that Hughton’s job was under threat with his team having picked up one win from 13 matches in all competitions.

However, Snodgrass’s calm finish after being put through by Bradley Johnson earned his side a well-deserved win against a sluggish Spurs team who had to travel to Ukraine for a Europa League match on Thursday.

Summaries

Liverpool 4
Sturridge 3, 36; Henderson 20, 74;
Swansea 3
Shelvey 23; Bony 27, 48p;

HT: 3-2. Att: 44,731.

Newcastle 1
Remy 90;
Aston Villa 0

HT: 0-0. Att: 50,417.

Norwich 1
Snodgrass 47;
Tottenham 0

HT: 0-0. Att: 26,834.

Standings