EPL news: Jose Mourinho sacked by Chelsea; Alexis Sanchez's Arsenal return; Louis van Gaal criticism 'crazy'; Jurgen Klopp 'an idiot'

A round-up of the top stories from a dramatic day in the Premier League

The top four stories from the Premier League today:

CHELSEA SACK MOURINHO

In a sensational turn of events, Jose Mourinho was sacked as Chelsea manager. Guus Hiddink is the favourite to replace the Portuguese.

"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent," the club said on their official Twitter account.

The 52-year-old Portuguese returned to Stamford Bridge for a second stint in charge in 2013 and last season led them to the title and a League Cup triumph.

Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by surprise leaders Leicester City on Monday, their ninth defeat in 16 league matches.

Ahead of this weekend's home game with Sunderland, they have managed only 15 points during their worst start to a season since being relegated in 1978-79.

Like Mourinho, Hiddink stands to be in for a second spell for Hiddink, who had previously taken charge of the club in 2009.

SANCHEZ COULD BE BACK ON MONDAY

Arsene Wenger said there is a “slight chance” that Alexis Sanchez will be fit to face Manchester City on Monday, as the Chilean forward steps up his return following a hamstring injury.

Sanchez injured his hamstring at Norwich City on 29 November and has not played since. He has not returned to full training yet but with the game still four days away, Wenger did not rule him out of playing a part at the Emirates.

“We are quite far from the game but at the moment, everybody who played against Aston Villa is available for Monday night and there are one or two possible comebacks,” Wenger said at his press conference this morning. “Maybe there is a slight chance for Alexis to be in the squad, but it is too early to be sure about it. He is running, but not participating in full training.”

VAN GAAL CRITICISM 'CRAZY'

Marc Overmars defended Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, saying that it is "crazy" that he has received so much criticism this season.

Overmars's fellow Dutchman Van Gaal's position as United manager has been under much scrutiny this term, with the team falling off the pace in the Premier League as well as being eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage, despite spending £170m on new arrivals last summer.

“It’s crazy to criticise him so much already,” the 42-year-old former Arsenal winger, now Ajax director of football said.

“In football you need patience."

Jurgen Klopp reacts to Liverpool's point against West Brom on Sunday (Getty Images)

KLOPP IS 'A BIT OF AN IDIOT' SAYS McCLEAN

West Brom midfielder James McClean labelled Liverpoolmanager Jurgen Klopp as "a bit of an idiot".

Klopp had some heated words with the Baggies manager Tony Pulis during the 2-2 draw between the clubs at Anfield on Sunday, and at the final whistle there was no handshake between the managers.

"Obviously I have got respect for the man because he did a great job at Dortmund and that. But I think he is a bit of an idiot if I am being honest.

“In the game on Sunday...you can’t act that way. Win, lose or draw, you’ve got to be respectful.”