Marseille moved three points clear at the top of Ligue 1 thanks to a 2-1 win against out-of-sorts Lille at the Stade Velodrome.
With title-rivals Paris St Germain dropping points at home to Montpellier on Saturday, Marcelo Bielsa's side needed no second invitation to take full advantage as Nolan Roux's first-half own goal set them on their way.
Lille threatened to spoil the hosts' afternoon when Idrissa Gueye levelled have way through the second-half but any hopes of a point were quashed when the impressive Michy Batshuayi restored Marseille's lead eight minutes later.
Defeat for Lille continued a depressing run of form which has seen them claim just one win in 16 all competitions.
Lyon moved up to second, above PSG, with a 5-0 triumph over 10-man Bordeaux.
Alexandre Lacazette continued his incredible form to give Lyon the lead in the first half and Corentin Tolisso doubled their advantage after the interval.
Nicolas Pallois was then sent off for a challenge on Clinton N'Jie and Nabil Fekir made it 3-0 with nine minutes remaining.
Lyon were not done, however, as Lacazette got his second assist of the night by laying the ball to Jordan Ferri to slot home. The 23-year-old Lacazette then made it 17 goals in 19 games by hitting home a powerful volley in the last minute.
St Etienne moved to within five points of the summit after cruising to a 3-0 victory against Evian to end 2014 in fine style.
Fourth-placed St Etienne were 1-0 ahead in the second minute when Max Gradel slotted home, before Ricky van Wolfswinkel doubled their advantage after 20 minutes to put the hosts firmly in control.
Romain Hamouma then added a superb third shortly after the hour mark to cap off a convincing display by Christophe Galtier's side, who are now unbeaten in 10 league games.
The result moved Les Verts on to 36 points from their 19 matches, while defeat saw Evian replace Metz in the relegation zone and Pascal Dupraz's side have now lost seven of their nine away league matches this season.