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The English Premier League Season (2024/25)

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Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal curled home a brilliant free-kick to deny West Ham victory in a dramatic Premier League meeting that had a twist in the tale.

West Ham thought they were about to enjoy a 10th victory in 11 Monday night league games when Lucas Paqueta converted an 87th-minute penalty.

But Bournemouth, who had been denied on five separate occasions by Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabianski in the second-half alone, refused to let their heads drop.

Given the opportunity to go for goal from 30 yards as the seconds ticked down, Unal found the top corner with a magnificent effort.

The home side surged forwards looking for a winner but despite their pressure, and a frenzied atmosphere in the Vitality Stadium, the winner - and a fourth successive Premier League win - would not come.

The point was enough for Andoni Iraola's men to climb above Aston Villa into the top six. West Ham remain in 14th, having avoided defeat for two league games in a row for only the third time this season.
 

Southampton line up Ivan Juric to replace Russell Martin as head coach​


Southampton are closing on the appointment of Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s successor. The former Roma manager, who was sacked by the Serie A club last month after 12 matches, was on the shortlist to replace Ralph Hasenhüttl at Saints two years ago and is expected to be given the job this time.

Southampton, bottom of the Premier League and fighting an immediate return to the Championship after one win in 16 matches, are searching for their fifth manager in just over two years.

Juric, who impressed across a three-year spell in charge of Torino, was pinpointed as a leading candidate by the Sport Republic ownership group, led by Dragan Solak, Henrik Kraft and Rasmus Ankersen. It is thought Saints were keen on avoiding paying compensation, making the out-of-work Juric an attractive option.

The former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand was also thought to be a candidate and Southampton are admirers of Carlos Corberán, who has a release clause of about £3m in his contract at West Brom.

It is unclear whether a deal to appoint Juric could be finalised in time for him to take charge at Fulham on Sunday. Simon Rusk, who was appointed Southampton Under-21s’ coach in the summer, is in interim charge.

Juric has taken charge of six Italian clubs but the Croat has never coached in England. The 49-year-old previously described himself as an avid fan of heavy metal, citing his love for Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer.

www.theguardian.com

Southampton line up Ivan Juric to replace Russell Martin as head coach

Southampton are closing on the appointment of the former Roma and Torino Ivan Juric as Russell Martin’s successor
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
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This is officially the worst run of results in Man City's 14 year history.
 
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Manchester City's crisis intensified as they slipped to another damaging defeat at Aston Villa

Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers goals meant Phil Foden's late reply for the visitors was little consolation.

Defending champions City have dropped to sixth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool having played two games more, while Villa have moved above them into fifth.

It is now nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions for City, who are winless in their last eight away matches, as their season continues to spiral downwards.

Guardiola made six changes from the Manchester derby defeat last week but it made little difference during another laboured performance.

Villa, who had won just three of their previous 11 top-flight games, earned a much-needed victory, one which keeps their top-four hopes firmly alive.

They were rarely troubled, although Emi Martinez saved well from Foden in the first half, and Villa continually found ways past City's frail backline.

The tone was set inside the first minute as City needed Stefan Ortega, in for the injured Ederson, to twice bail them out.

He brilliantly turned Pau Torres' header on to the bar, the goalkeeper clawing the ball out from almost over the line, having already saved from Duran following Josko Gvardiol's mistake after just 15 seconds.

Worse was to come after 16 minutes when City were sliced open by Youri Tielemans' brilliant through-ball. He found Rogers to advance and unselfishly square for Duran to beat Ortega.

City were unable to respond until it was too late and Rogers, who spent two years at Etihad Stadium without making a senior City appearance, sealed victory for Villa with a fine low finish after 65 minutes, making Foden's injury-time strike meaningless.

BBC Sport
 
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Nottingham Forest inflicted a first home defeat of the season on Brentford as they maintained their push for a European place

Goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga, as well as some resolute defending, helped Forest to their third consecutive victory.

The result also lifts Nuno Espirito Santo's side up to third in the table, a point above fourth-placed Arsenal, who travel to Crystal Palace later on Saturday (17:30 GMT).

Having withstood some early pressure from the hosts, Forest opened the scoring towards the end of the first period when Neco Williams got down the left and his low cross was placed into the bottom left corner by Nigeria full-back Aina.

The visitors added to their tally shortly after the break when Elanga capitalised on a mistake from Keane Lewis-Potter and drove into the penalty area before dispatching his effort past Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken into the bottom left corner.

It proved a frustrating afternoon for Brentford, who came into the contest with the best home record in the English top flight, having won seven and drawn one of their previous eight fixtures.

However, while the Bees enjoyed plenty of possession, they ultimately lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

Mikkel Damsgaard and Yoane Wissa were both unable to convert first-half opportunities to give Thomas Frank's side the lead and Kristoffer Ajer's close-range effort was superbly repelled by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels as the hosts looked for a way back into the match.

They drop down a spot to 12th in the table, having lost three games in seven days.

BBC Sport
 
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Alexander Isak scored a hat-trick as Newcastle United thrashed Ipswich Town, who remain without a home league win this season

The visitors only needed 26 seconds to score after the hosts had kicked off.

Ipswich immediately sent the ball out for a throw-in, Fabian Schar played a long pass, Jacob Murphy ran down the right wing and his cross bounced off the heel of Sam Morsy with Isak firing the loose ball into the net.

The goal was originally ruled out for offside but following a lengthy check by the video assistant referee, it was given.

Murphy, who impressed throughout, added a second, shooting in off the underside of the crossbar after good work from Anthony Gordon.

Ipswich last won a home game in the top flight in April 2002 when they beat Middlesbrough 1-0 before being relegated.

Any hopes of a first success at Portman Road in this campaign ended in first-half injury time when Newcastle got a third goal.

Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric tried to play out from the back and knocked a pass to Jens Cajuste inside his own penalty area, but Bruno Guimaraes intercepted and Isak had the easy task of scoring his second.

His hat-trick came nine minutes into the second half, when he prodded home into the bottom corner after more good work from Murphy.

BBC Sport
 
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Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal put five past Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to move to within three points of the Premier League leadership.

It took the Brazil striker's tally against the Eagles to five in a week, following hids Carabao Cup quarter-final hat-trick on Wednesday.

But there was a setback for the Gunners as Bukayo Saka limped off in the first half.

Jesus scored two in the first half before Kai Havertz made it three, with Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice adding further goals after the break.

Arsenal struck first in the sixth minute, Saka's cross was deflected into the path of Jesus and he fired past Dean Henderson at the near post.

The Eagles were level just five minutes later when Ismaila Sarr curled an excellent effort in the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Arsenal then went ahead again just three minutes later. A dangerous corner was not cleared and Thomas Partey teed up Jesus, who curled a shot into the top corner.

Jesus then almost registered his second hat-trick in a week when his header hit the post, but the ball bounced out and Havertz was on hand to tap in from close range for the Arsenal third.

Both sides had chances to score more in the first half, Jean-Philippe Mateta had a close range effort saved by Raya before Gabriel headed a Martin Odegaard corner against the bar.

Palace started the second half brightly but Arsenal kept them out before Martinelli diverted in substitute Rice's shot.

Rice himself then got on the scoresheet as he curled in an excellent strike for the Arsenal fifth.

Arsenal are now three points behind leaders Liverpool, although they have played two games more.

Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Arsenal put five past Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to move to within three points of the Premier League leadership.

It took the Brazil striker's tally against the Eagles to five in a week, following hids Carabao Cup quarter-final hat-trick on Wednesday.

But there was a setback for the Gunners as Bukayo Saka limped off in the first half.

Jesus scored two in the first half before Kai Havertz made it three, with Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice adding further goals after the break.

Arsenal struck first in the sixth minute, Saka's cross was deflected into the path of Jesus and he fired past Dean Henderson at the near post.

The Eagles were level just five minutes later when Ismaila Sarr curled an excellent effort in the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Arsenal then went ahead again just three minutes later. A dangerous corner was not cleared and Thomas Partey teed up Jesus, who curled a shot into the top corner.

Jesus then almost registered his second hat-trick in a week when his header hit the post, but the ball bounced out and Havertz was on hand to tap in from close range for the Arsenal third.

Both sides had chances to score more in the first half, Jean-Philippe Mateta had a close range effort saved by Raya before Gabriel headed a Martin Odegaard corner against the bar.

Palace started the second half brightly but Arsenal kept them out before Martinelli diverted in substitute Rice's shot.

Rice himself then got on the scoresheet as he curled in an excellent strike for the Arsenal fifth.

Arsenal are now three points behind leaders Liverpool, although they have played two games more.

Source: BBC
 
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Title challengers Chelsea were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Everton, handing a major boost to Premier League leaders Liverpool

Arne Slot's side face Tottenham later on Sunday (kick-off 16:30 GMT) but are guaranteed top spot at Christmas no matter the result after Enzo Maresca's men failed to break down an obdurate Everton backline.

The weather was often dreadful with swirling wind and rain, but it was the visitors who carved out the better chances with Jordan Pickford denying Nicolas Jackson following a sweeping team move and the Senegal international heading against the post from close range.

At the other end, Orel Mangala's low strike from outside the area was pushed away by Robert Sanchez at full stretch in Everton's best opening of the first half.

Jack Harrison, who is without a goal or assist in the league this season, should have put the hosts ahead at the start of the second half when he found space in the box, but Sanchez spread himself to keep out a tame effort.

Sean Dyche's side battled hard and could have won it when the ball dropped nicely for Iliman Ndiaye six yards out, but defender Tosin Adarabioyo made a tremendous block as Chelsea took a disappointing point back home to London.

Chelsea boss Maresca had played down talk that his side were challengers for the Premier League title - and maybe he was correct on the evidence of this result.

The Italian might have been thinking otherwise privately, but his team saw their eight-game winning run in all competitions brought to a halt, damaging their chances of bringing the trophy back to Stamford Bridge.

Star man Cole Palmer - who scored four, including a tremendous first-half hat-trick, in a 6-0 thrashing of Everton when they last met in April - was kept largely quiet, dragging a shot wide early on and creating the chance for Jackson's miss.

The Blues striker should have done better with a free header against the post, while Portuguese Pedro Neto's strike from range was comfortable for Pickford to deal with.

Chelsea had been dangerous on the road this season with 23 goals in eight games - but here, their run of scoring in 15 consecutive league games ended.

Everton had incoming executive chairman Marc Watts and other representatives from the Friedkin Group in attendance following the completion of their takeover on Thursday.

They witnesses a combative performance from the players, backing up last weekend's goalless draw at Arsenal with another solid defensive showing to keep their seventh clean sheet of the campaign.

Manager Dyche will point to a run of only two defeats in their past 12 games, but they have won just three of their 16 league matches so far this season.

The point inched them away from the relegation zone but it could have been so much more given the chances they were presented with.

Harrison had the best of those, but the winger failed to get off the mark this season with Sanchez making a smart save, while Ndiaye somehow was unable to bundle in from close range late on.

A testing December started with a 4-0 thrashing at Manchester United, but Everton have responded with three consecutive clean sheets and head to Manchester City on Thursday with a spring in their step.

BBC Sport
 
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Vitor Pereira's Wolves reign got off to a dream start as his new team brushed aside fellow strugglers Leicester

The Portuguese coach was appointed as Gary O'Neil's successor on Thursday and made four changes to the side that suffered a late 2-1 home defeat by Ipswich last week.

Two of those he brought in were compatriots Goncalo Guedes and Rodrigo Gomes, and both pounced inside the opening 36 minutes.

Top scorer Matheus Cunha also took advantage of some sloppy Leicester defending to add a third with his ninth goal of the season right before half-time.

Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy made a double change at half-time, then another just seven minutes into the second half.

But the hosts barely threatened as Wolves halted a four-match losing streak.

Pereira's first game as a Premier League manager has been a long time coming.

The 56-year-old thought he was going to be given the Everton job in 2013, and says he "did many job interviews with English clubs".

A two-time title winner with Porto, he has finally been given an opportunity in England, but surely did not imagine making such a comfortable start.

Wolves were 3-0 up by half-time, but that is not to say Pereira has suddenly transformed them into a more fearsome attacking force - they simply took their chances when they came along.

The first goal came after Nelson Semedo chipped a speculative ball down the right channel, which somehow found its way to Goncalo Guedes in the box. The Portugal forward, making just his second league start of the season, managed to hook it past Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward with the first shot of Pereira's tenure.

Matt Doherty then hit a hopeful diagonal ball towards Leicester right-back James Justin, who chose to let the ball go past him without realising that Gomes had got in behind.

Gomes took a heavy touch on his chest before trying to poke the ball goalwards. Although he failed to connect, it still went past Ward and into the Leicester net as the keeper had dived to his right, anticipating another touch from Gomes.

Then as half-time approached, Semedo played a ball down the right wing for Guedes, who was allowed to turn back inside and find Cunha, with the Brazil striker showing great composure to slot the ball beyond Ward and in off the far post.

Leicester swiftly made a host of substitutions, but Wolves still went closest to scoring after the break, through Santiago Bueno and Joao Gomes.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's first game as Leicester boss was equally encouraging, beating West Ham 3-1 on 3 December.

But just three games later, the positive effect of that new manager bounce already looks to have evaporated.

The Foxes were beaten 4-0 at Newcastle last time out and made a lacklustre start back at their own King Power Stadium on Sunday.

Jannik Vestergaard was at fault for the first goal, letting Semedo's through-ball bounce past him, while fellow defender Justin misjudged Doherty's ball for the second.

Keeper Ward, in for the injured Mads Hermansen, could have done better for the second goal while, for the third, there was a general lack of urgency throughout the Leicester defence.

Vestergaard made way at half-time, with Justin following soon after, yet the Foxes still posed Wolves few problems.

Jamie Vardy had a couple of tame efforts on target, but the closest Leicester went to scoring was when Vardy's first-half shot was cleared off the line by Toti Gomes moments before Wolves made it 3-0.

Van Nistelrooy's attacking mindset was a big reason why he was brought in to succeed Steve Cooper, but it's his defence that needs some drastic attention if his side are going to avoid slipping into the bottom three over the festive period.

BBC Sport
 
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Manchester United were booed off as they suffered a three-goal home defeat by high-flying Bournemouth for the second year in a row as Ruben Amorim's men lost for the third time in four Premier League games

United will celebrate Christmas in 13th position after another below-par display that leaves them with just seven points from Amorim's six games in charge.

In contrast, Bournemouth are fifth, which could be enough to qualify for a place in next season's Champions League given the results of English clubs in European competition so far this season.

United never recovered from Dean Huijsen's 29th-minute header as Bournemouth exploited the home side's defensive weaknesses at set-pieces.

Justin Kliuvert sent Andre Onana the wrong way from the spot after the forward had been tripped by Noussair Mazroaui.

And two minutes later Antoine Semenyo was unmarked as he swept home Dango Ouattara's cross after Kobbie Mainoo had given away possession inside his own half.

It was another sobering afternoon for United and Amorim, who for the third time omitted Marcus Rashford from his matchday squad.

Rashford was at Old Trafford to watch events unfold. On this evidence, United need Rashford back on top form - and a lot more else besides.

It was noted that United practised defending set-pieces during the pre-match warm-up. Clearly the message is not getting through.

At the start of this month, they conceded two goals at Arsenal from corners.

Another followed in the match after, the home defeat by Nottingham Forest, while on Thursday, Tottenham skipper Son Hueng-min scored direct from a corner to confirm United's EFL Cup elimination.

There was nothing particularly strategic about United's latest set-piece calamity as Ryan Christie floated a free-kick to the near post after Tyrell Malacia had needlessly chopped down Adam Smith by the touchline when the ball was bouncing out of play.

Joshua Zirkzee was supposed to be marking Huijsen but the 19-year-old Spain youth international did not need to do too much to wriggle free and flick his header into the far corner.

At a time of redundancies and cost cutting at Old Trafford, the repeated failures in this facet of the game do not reflect well on United's set-piece coach Carlos Fernandes.

United did have chances. On-loan Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga denied Bruno Fernandes with an excellent first-half save after Huijsen had given the ball away inside his own half.

Substitute Leny Yoro was also denied late on, although by then the home side were merely looking for some kind of consolation.

While they knew there would be issues adapting to a new boss who would bring in a new formation, the new-manager bounce United had been hoping for from Amorim's arrival has proved to be all too brief. Christmas will not be a comfortable one for the Portuguese.

'Man Utd, it's happened again' was replaced by 'we're going on a European tour' as the Bournemouth fans revelled in their latest Old Trafford triumph.

Last season, the success came as Cherries boss Andoni Iraola was still getting used to his new surroundings. There was something more permanent about this success.

There had been a feeling this kind of win was coming as Iraola's side have carved our numerous chances in recent games without taking them.

After scoring one goal from 29 shots against West Ham on Monday, the stats were three from 10 this time around.

Once Huijsen had put the visitors ahead, Bournemouth had a measure of control and relied on their hosts to make mistakes, which they did with great frequency.

Evanilsen would have had an open goal had he not gone too wide when he skipped round Onana as he recklessly ran from his goal to the edge of the area.

Kluivert kept his cool to finish from the spot just after the hour after he had drawn Mazraoui into an ill-advised penalty-area lunge.

And Semenyo had the energy to keep running after Mainoo had presented him with possession and an opportunity to counter just two minutes later.

In Santa Barbara during the Cherries' pre-season tour this summer, owner Bill Foley spoke optimistically about 'little old Bournemouth' qualifying for Europe. That dream is very much alive.

BBC Sport
 
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New Southampton boss Ivan Juric watched from the stands as the Premier League's bottom club frustrated Fulham to hold out for a goalless draw

The ex-Roma manager and former Croatia player was appointed on Saturday after Russell Martin had been sacked last Sunday, shortly after a humiliating 5-0 home loss to Tottenham.

Juric took his place in the press seats, along with members of his coaching staff, and witnessed the battling Saints pick up only their sixth point of the season.

However, they were indebted to returning goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for avoiding a 14th league defeat this term.

The England goalkeeper, who joined in the summer from Arsenal, had missed six weeks of action because of a finger injury, but made a number of fine saves to deny the hosts.

Ramsdale got fingertips to an excellent curling effort from the dangerous Alex Iwobi after only three minutes and, midway through the second half, showed superb reflexes to push over Harry Wilson's powerful half-volley.

Substitute Adama Traore had a glorious chance to win it late on for Fulham, but dragged an angled effort just wide.

Despite the point, Southampton are bottom of the top-flight table at Christmas for the first time in their history and their six-point tally is the joint-third lowest of any side in the Premier League era, with only Sheffield United (two in 2020-21) and Sunderland (five in 2005-06) having fewer.

For Fulham, they will see this as a missed opportunity in not taking a victory that could have put them just four points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest.

They had come into this match unbeaten from a difficult run of four games, including a 1-1 draw with Tottenham, a 3-1 home win against Brighton and draws with Arsenal and away at Liverpool.

Marco Silva's side were the better side throughout at a bitterly cold Craven Cottage, but could not find a way through.

Iwobi fired three chances off target from the edge of the penalty area and Fulham are now ninth in the table, having failed to overtake both Newcastle and Manchester City.

For Juric, he will be pleased with Southampton's defensive effort, especially after they had capitulated so weakly seven days ago by conceding five first-half goals against Spurs in Martin's last game in charge.

Just as for the 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final loss against Liverpool on Wednesday, interim boss Simon Rusk led them from the dugout, with Juric's first game in charge set to be the home game against West Ham on 26 December.

But Juric did get to witness first-hand what has been Southampton's biggest weakness throughout this campaign.

They have now only scored 11 goals in 17 matches - three fewer than any other side in the top flight.

It took Saints 56 minutes to register a shot on target at Fulham, with Adam Armstrong having an effort comfortably saved by Bernd Leno and the long-suffering travelling fans sarcastically chanting "we had a shot" to celebrate the fact.

However, Southampton posed little attacking threat and Juric will be well aware what a big a job he has on his hands.

BBC Sport
 
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Liverpool went four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they handed out a merciless thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur in front of their own fans.

Arne Slot's pacesetters were simply irresistible as every frailty in an injury-hit Spurs team was ruthlessly exposed.

Liverpool had already had several opportunities before Luis Diaz headed in Trent Alexander-Arnold's perfect cross after 23 minutes, Alexis Mac Allister doubling their lead with another header 13 minutes later.

James Maddison gave Spurs hope of an unlikely comeback when he curled in his eighth goal of the season four minutes before half-time but that was snuffed out in first-half stoppage time when Mohamed Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a simple finish.

Spurs, with a lengthy list of absentees and fielding an unchanged team having played a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United on Thursday, looked leg-weary, leaving them wide open to further punishment from this smooth Liverpool machine.

Salah drew level with Billy Liddell's record of 228 Liverpool goals when he extended Liverpool's advantage from close range after 54 minutes, then went into fourth place in the club's all-time list of scorers on his own when Szoboszlai repaid the first-half compliment to play the Egyptian in for his second.

Dejan Kulusevski scored for the fifth successive game with 18 minutes left, while another from Dominic Solanke threatened to give the scoreline an unrealistic appearance until Diaz swooped for his second and Liverpool's sixth.
 
Coote will not appeal against PGMOL dismissal

Former Premier League official David Coote will not appeal against his dismissal from referees' body the PGMOL.

Coote, 42, was sacked earlier this month following a "thorough investigation" into his conduct by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).

He had the right to appeal, but sources have told BBC Sport the official has decided against doing so.

BBC Sport has contacted Coote for comment.

Coote was suspended by the PGMOL on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club's former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.

A further investigation was opened two days later after the Sun published photos it says were taken during this summer's European Championship, alleging that they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank note.

Neither the pictures nor the video have been verified independently by the BBC.

The PGMOL said Coote's actions made his position "untenable".

The organisation is continuing to offer support to Coote, having previously said it was "committed to his welfare".

Coote is also under investigation by the Football Association and Uefa over his conduct.


BBC
 
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Erling Haaland had a second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford as Manchester City's crisis continued with a laboured Premier League draw against Everton at Etihad Stadium

Pep Guardiola's side, once all-conquering, are in unfamiliar territory amid a staggering fall-off, with just one win now in their past 13 games in all competitions.

The result leaves the champions sixth in the table, three points adrift of Nottingham Forest in fourth and 11 behind leaders Liverpool, with those two sides still yet to play on Thursday.

City almost made the perfect start in the third minute but Josko Gvardiol's towering header cannoned back off the post - and the hosts were rewarded for their dominance shortly after.

They grabbed a deserved opener in the 14th minute as Bernardo Silva latched on to Jeremy Doku's pass and managed to bobble home a finish into the far corner courtesy of a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite.

It should have been two when Phil Foden fed a pass to the onrushing Silva inside the box, but the Portugal international sent his first-time attempt wide of the post on this occasion.

But with their first clear-cut chance of the game, Everton drew level in the 36th minute through Iliman Ndiaye's marvellous strike, taking a touch from Abdoulaye Doucoure's cross and sending a delightful finish with the outside of his boot into the far corner.

City had the chance to regain the lead seven minutes into the second half when left-back Vitalii Mykolenko chopped down Savinho inside the area, but Pickford dived the right way to keep out Haaland's spot-kick.

City pushed for the winner but failed to prise open the Everton backline and were left to suffer again, with their last victory coming on 4 December against Forest.

BBC Sport
 
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Bournemouth extended their Premier League unbeaten run to six matches but could only manage a draw at home against Crystal Palace.

The Cherries, with a push for Europe on their minds after a 3-0 win at Manchester United last time out, had the bulk of the promising chances but lacked an assured finishing touch.

Andoni Iraola's hosts nearly found a way to open the scoring in the first half but Ismaila Sarr cleared the ball off the line after Antoine Semenyo hooked towards goal from a corner.

Palace thought they had punished Bournemouth for failing to take that chance when Sarr ran through the defence and put the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga soon after, but the Senegal international was offside when he was slipped in.

Neither side could build sustained periods of possession, but an open midfield led to an entertaining game as both attacked in numbers and pressed energetically in defence.

It was end to end as the teams continued to rack up the goal attempts - with Bournemouth looking likelier to break the deadlock - but despite best efforts it ended in Boxing Day stalemate.
 
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Substitute Rodrigo Muniz scored the winner late into six minutes of stoppage time as Fulham staged a magnificent late comeback to stun Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea looked to be maintaining the pressure on Premier League pace-setters Liverpool as they defended a lead given to them by Cole Palmer's smooth 16th-minute strike.

Fulham, however, never took a backward step and were rewarded in the most dramatic fashion with two late goals as Chelsea's title aspirations suffered a serious setback.

Marco Silva's Fulham substitutions worked to perfection, first when Harry Wilson headed the equaliser after 82 minutes before Muniz steered a low finish past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez in the 95th minute.

Chelsea were never comfortable, even after Palmer's strike which was his 26th Premier League goal in the calendar year, breaking the Chelsea record set by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2001.

Fulham were relentless in pursuit of at least a point and got full value for their ambition, securing their first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years.
 
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Alexander Isak continued his fine goalscoring form as Newcastle defeated 10-man Aston Villa to move fifth in the Premier League table.

The hosts went ahead after only 80 seconds through Anthony Gordon's excellent, curled finish from just inside the penalty area after Joelinton had led a charge forwards following team-mate Sandro Tonali's interception inside his own half.

Villa's chances of getting back in the game suffered a blow in the 32nd minute when striker Jhon Duran was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after a challenge on Fabian Schar.

Referee Anthony Taylor ruled Duran had deliberately stamped on Schar's back after the Newcastle defender had slid in for a challenge, although the 21-year-old Colombia striker, who later kicked a water bottle in frustration, claimed the contact had been accidental.

Isak scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 4-0 win at Ipswich Town and added Newcastle's second against Villa early in the second half.

He converted from close range following Jacob Murphy's low cross from the right wing for his 11th Premier League goal of the season and his seventh in six games.

Newcastle sealed a superb victory when Joelinton took advantage of a loose Villa pass from Amadou Onana to curl a 92nd-minute third past Emiliano Martinez.

The Magpies' win took them above Villa and last season's champions Manchester City, while Villa, after a fifth successive away league defeat, slipped to ninth.
 
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Anthony Elanga fired Nottingham Forest up to third in the Premier League after a narrow win over Tottenham.

The in-form winger struck for a third straight game as Forest clinched a fourth successive win in the top flight for the first time since 1995.

It also earned boss Nuno Espirito Santo a first win over Tottenham - who had ex-Forest defender Djed Spence sent off in injury time - since being sacked by them three years ago.

Nuno lasted just four months in north London and, when he was dismissed in November 2021, his stock in England had fallen following a stale end to his four years at Wolves.

However, with this victory, Forest have more points than during last season's successful survival fight in half the games to underline the rapid progress made under Nuno.

He has put the club in a strong position going into January's transfer window, yet Forest are wary of upsetting the dynamic of a squad which has taken them so far this season, and keeping the team together may be more of a concern.

Elanga's form means he will undoubtedly attract attention again with Newcastle long-term admirers, and the winger's current goalscoring run has ended a 10-month drought.

As for Spurs, they continue to drift after a sixth defeat in 10 Premier League games and are 11 points behind Forest and their former manager.

Brief chants of 'we want Levy out' echoed from the away end, especially after Elanga's 28th-minute winner - a cool low finish following a quick break.

Former Forest favourite Brennan Johnson tested Matz Sels three times but despite dominating the ball - having almost 70% possession - Tottenham missed a ruthless edge and questions about their direction on and off the pitch will continue to grow.
 
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West Ham's Jarrod Bowen scored the 100th league goal of his career to condemn Ivan Juric to a losing start as Southampton manager.

The Saints made a positive start to Juric's first game since replacing Russell Martin, but were unable to open the scoring.

The Hammers lost defender Max Kilman and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to injury in the first half, and also replaced Carlos Soler with Edson Alvarez at the interval.

And as the intensity promised by Juric dropped, the Hammers pounced to break the deadlock through England forward Bowen, 28.

Tomas Soucek headed Alvarez's cross back across goal and Niclas Fullkrug managed to flick it on for Bowen to poke the ball in from close range.

Southampton rallied, but one goal proved enough to secure West Ham's second win in four games - and make it eight points from the last available 12.

The hosts, meanwhile, remain on six points at the bottom of the Premier League, following their 14th defeat from 18 league games.
 
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Manchester United's set-piece curse struck again as Matheus Cunha became the second player in three games to score directly from a corner against them as Wolves defeated them to climb out of the bottom three.

Ruben Amorim's men were already up against it at at Molineux following the 47th-minute dismissal of skipper Bruno Fernandes for a second yellow card.

However, just as Son Hueng-min did for Tottenham a week ago, Cunha found the net with a corner that sailed over Andre Onana's outstretched arm in a crowded six-yard box.

The points were sealed in the eighth minute of added time when, as United chased an equaliser, Wolves broke and Cunha squared the ball for Hwang Hee-chan to make it 2-0.

In recent weeks, Amorim has tried and failed to make his side more secure but Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have also capitalised from United's frailty at defending balls pumped into their box during a run of five defeats in seven games in all competitions.

Amorim has now collected seven points from his six league games in charge. By contrast new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has six from two as he followed up the weekend win at Leicester with a first home victory over United since 2019.

If life was not bad enough for United, they will now be without Fernandes for the home game with Newcastle on 30 December and also midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who picked up his fifth booking of the season.
 
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Leaders Liverpool strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League after coming from behind to defeat struggling Leicester City and move seven points clear.

Leicester had lost five of their previous seven matches but stunned Anfield by taking the lead through Jordan Ayew's sharp sixth-minute finish.

Liverpool endured a frustrating half as Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah hit the post and crossbar respectively before Cody Gakpo levelled right on the stroke of half-time with a lovely curling finish from the edge of the box.

That lifted the hosts who took the lead for the first time just four minutes into the second half, Curtis Jones marking his 100th Premier League appearance by turning in Alexis Mac Allister's cross.

Leicester, who dropped into the relegation zone after Wolves' win over Manchester United earlier in the day, missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Patson Daka mis-kicked in front of goal before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points when he swept home the third goal - his 19th of the season.

While they are one point from safety after a third straight defeat, Liverpool are in a commanding position at the top, with a game in hand on the two teams immediately below them.

With Liverpool next in action on Sunday at West Ham (17:15 GMT), they have an opportunity to open up a 10-point lead on nearest rivals Chelsea, who are not in action until the following day at Ipswich (19:45).
 
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Brighton's winless run stretched to six Premier League games as a resolute Brentford side held them to a goalless draw to gain only their second away point of the season.

The hosts nearly took a fifth-minute lead when Joao Pedro, with his back to goal, laid the ball off for Julio Enciso, but his first-time curling effort bounced off the right upright.

That proved to be as close as either side would come on a cold and misty evening at the Amex Stadium.

Brentford, with the worst away record in the league, thought they had taken the lead in the 14th minute against the run of play.

Yoane Wissa raced through the middle of the home defence and finished well, only for the video assistant referee to rule he was narrowly offside when he collected possession.

Brighton midfielder Solly March received a standing ovation from the home fans near the end of the match when he came on as a substitute.

He had missed 14 months of action with a serious knee injury sustained late on during Brighton's 2-1 away loss to Manchester City in October 2023.

But he was unable to be the match winner as it ended in a draw.
 
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Kai Havertz scored the only goal as Arsenal beat a stubborn Ipswich Town side to move up to second in the Premier League.

The hosts claimed a 23rd-minute winner when Leandro Trossard picked the ball up wide on the left side of the penalty area and crossed for Havertz to tap in from close range.

Arsenal dominated and had 83.5% of possession in the opening period as Kieran McKenna's side, who rarely left their own half, looked to frustrate them.

Declan Rice curled over from the edge of the box, before Gabriel Jesus thought he had doubled the lead when he squeezed the ball between Arijanet Muric's legs, but the strike was ruled out for offside.

Second-bottom Ipswich came out for the second half with more intent, but Liam Delap battled against centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel without much luck.

Brazilian Gabriel had a chance to make the game more comfortable for the Gunners, but somehow headed wide from inside the six-yard box.

Havertz also missed a good opportunity for a second goal, but the German couldn't connect cleanly following a Trossard header.

Victory moved Arsenal within six points of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, but Mikel Arteta's side end the year as the only Premier League team still unbeaten at home.
 

Ex-West Ham keeper Miklosko withdraws from cancer treatment​


Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has announced his decision to withdraw from further cancer treatment, three years after his diagnosis.

The Czech, 63, made almost 400 senior appearances across an eight-year playing career with the club and later returned as a goalkeeping coach.

Miklosko, who will be present at London Stadium for the visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, said in a statement on West Ham's website: "At the moment, I am feeling well.

"Lots of friends have said to me that, if they didn't know what I was going through, they would think that I was fine, which is nice for me to hear, because I want to feel like that for as long as possible."

West Ham said: "The entire West Ham United family is with Ludek at this time, and we encourage everyone attending today's game to be in their seats 10 minutes before kick-off to give him the reception and love that he so greatly deserves."

Miklosko helped West Ham achieve promotion in 1991 and 1993 and appeared in both FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals for the Irons.

He is currently the Sporting Director at Banik Ostrava in his homeland, the club where he began his career and made more than 200 appearances before joining West Ham in 1990.

"I am still working, I can be with the players and the people, and my life at the moment is very busy," Miklosko said.

"I am trying to keep it that way. I want to be busy and be active, and be around football as much as I can, because that is what I love."

Miklosko decided against chemotherapy following discussions with his doctor.

He had an operation to remove a lump he discovered on his hip three years ago, but another tumour had grown in his stomach. While radiotherapy initially helped, the discovery of several new tumours meant chemotherapy would be required.

There are many different types of chemotherapy treatment used to kill cancer cells, however they can cause a range of side effects and the effectiveness of each treatment can vary significantly.

"I decided not to take the chemotherapy, because I want to live a normal life," Miklosko said.

"I have very good people around me, and I have my work and my football, which is my life, all I have known. I want to keep doing that for as long as I can.

"When they told me about what the chemotherapy would mean, it was a case of not being able to work or be around my colleagues for around six months, not travel, have some sickness and everything else, and I said no - I do not want that."

www.bbc.com

Ludek Miklosko: Former West Ham goalkeeper withdraws from cancer treatment

Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko announces his decision to withdraw from further cancer treatment, three years after his diagnosis.
www.bbc.com
 
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Pep Guardiola celebrated 500 games in charge of Manchester City with a nervy win over Leicester

Savinho and Erling Haaland gave the floundering defending champions just a second win in their last 10 Premier League games.

It was still not enough to lift them back into the top four, instead leaving them fifth and 11 points behind leaders Liverpool before the Reds' trip to West Ham later on Sunday.

Guardiola had promised not to give up amid the worst run of his managerial career but the visitors lived dangerously at the King Power Stadium with Jamie Vardy twice going close and Facundo Buonanotte hitting the post for the Foxes.

Confidence clearly needs to be rebuilt at City but it was good enough to beat a Leicester side who are fading after a promising start under Ruud van Nistelrooy.

It is now four straight defeats for the Foxes and five in seven games since Steve Cooper was sacked in November which leaves them in the relegation zone.

Vardy had the hosts' best first-half chance, thwarted by Stefan Ortega after Josko Gvardiol's mistake, before Buonanotte's header rebounded off the post but by then they were already trailing to Savinho's 21st-minute goal - his first for City.

Goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, who denied Haaland early, parried Phil Foden's shot and winger Savinho fired in high from six yards.

Leicester still sensed they could exploit City's brittle backline and James Justin came close to a second-half leveller, only for Manuel Akanji to hack clear.

Vardy - who also hit the bar late on - then fired over from six yards before Haaland ended any hopes of a comeback, heading in Savinho's cross with 16 minutes left.

BBC Sport
 
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Eberechi Eze scored the winner as Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Southampton and move six points clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton took the lead in the 14th minute when Kyle Walker-Peters beat Daniel Munoz to the ball and his cross was helped on by Adam Armstrong for Tyler Dibling to tap in from close range.

But Palace responded 16 minutes later when Trevoh Chalobah headed in a Will Hughes corner.

There were appeals from the Southampton players who thought Jean-Philippe Mateta had fouled goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as the corner came in, but the goal was cleared by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Eze then scored an excellent goal early into the second half to secure all three points for the Eagles.

Munoz should have scored when, as the sides were level in the first half, he ran on to Tyrick Mitchell's cross, but his effort from inside the six-yard box hit the back of Walker-Peters with the goal gaping.

Ismaila Sarr also had a good opportunity in the first period when he raced on to Mateta's flick-on, but Ramsdale saved well before Jefferson Lerma had an acrobatic volley saved from the resulting corner.

The Eagles were the better team after drawing level and it did not take long for that dominance to pay off after the break, when Munoz's looping cross was deflected into Eze's path and he drilled a shot into the bottom corner.

The result moves Palace up to 15th place - and six points clear of Leicester City in 18th - and means they have now lost only one of their past eight Premier League matches.
 
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Nottingham Forest ended the year on a high by beating toothless Everton to move up to second in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo's high-flying side are quickly turning into the story of the season with stellar showings that are threatening to disrupt the top-flight's elite.

With Arsenal not in action until Wednesday, victory at Goodison Park guaranteed finishing the day just a place behind leaders Liverpool, who travel to West Ham later on Sunday (kick-off 17:15 GMT).

Striker Chris Wood was involved in both of his side's goals, netting a delightful finish for his 11th league goal of a fruitful campaign, before feeding Morgan Gibbs-White for the captain to coolly convert in the second half.

New Zealander Wood had given the Everton defence a couple of warning signs when he fired a long-range volley wide and flicked a header over, but made no mistake when exchanging headers with Anthony Elanga before producing a lofted finish over the stranded Jordan Pickford.

At the other end, Armando Broja was given his first Toffees start and showed quick feet on the edge of the area but drilled wide, while Ramon Sosa should have doubled Forest's lead before half-time when played through, but the Paraguayan sent his shot the wrong side of the post.

Gibbs-White made sure of the points just after the hour mark, cutting inside and firing home to lift Forest up to being Liverpool's closest title challengers at the halfway stage.
 
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Dango Ouattara came off the bench to rescue a point for Bournemouth at Fulham as both sides took their unbeaten runs to seven Premier League games.

With the Cherries pushing forward in search of a late leveller, Outtara latched on to a loose ball in the box in the 89th minute and produced a cheeky dink over the onrushing Bernd Leno.

Harry Wilson thought he had given Fulham all three points in the 72nd minute with a superb header from Antonee Robinson's tempting ball into the box.

Mexican striker Raul Jimenez scored his sixth goal of the season to put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute after he capitalised on some poor Cherries defending from a corner.

Bournemouth made it 1-1 six minutes into the second half when Evanilson ended his barren run of seven games without scoring, producing an expertly executed finish from a tight angle.

In a feisty affair, Fulham were incensed in the first half when Cherries midfielder Ryan Christie avoided a red card for a studs-up tackle on Robinson, but the video assistant referee (VAR) review deemed a yellow card sufficient.

Marco Silva's side may well be disappointed not to have claimed victory in an entertaining encounter, with Jimenez coming close to a second goal, but Dean Huijsen was positioned well to head off the line.

With his earlier effort, though, the Fulham forward became the joint-highest scoring Mexican in the Premier League as he drew level with former Manchester United and West Ham frontman Javier Hernandez on 53.

Fulham, who are in eighth place, host Ipswich Town next on 5 January, while sixth-placed Bournemouth welcome Everton to the Vitality Stadium a day earlier.
 
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Jorgen Strand Larsen's late equaliser continued Vitor Pereira's impressive start as Wolves boss after a chaotic Premier League draw with Tottenham.

Wolves took an early lead when the unmarked Hwang Hee-chan swept the ball low into the corner from the edge of the box after the Spurs defence had switched off at a free-kick.

Spurs equalised shortly afterwards thanks to Rodrigo Bentancur, who glanced a powerful close-range header beyond Jose Sa from Pedro Porro's corner.

Tottenham were awarded a penalty when Andre brought down the fleet-footed Brennan Johnson only for Sa to guess correctly and deny Son Heung-min

It did not stymie Spurs' attacking intent and a neat interchange between Dejan Kulusevski and Johnson inside a crowded area culminated in the latter striking a low shot.

Tottenham had chances to increase their lead in the second half but failed to take them.

Dominic Solanke was unable to get on the end of a Timo Werner cross into the six-yard box while Kulusevski perhaps should have done better when he broke clear.

Wolves were content to hang in the contest and levelled with three minutes of normal time remaining when substitute Strand Larsen beat Fraser Forster at his near post with a rasping angled shot.

Spurs piled on the pressure during 11 minutes of added time but were unable to contrive a winner and finish December with just five points from a possible 21.
 
Liverpool 3-0 up at West ham.

West ham are utter trash and most sides will batter them
 
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Liverpool stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points as they thrashed an abject West Ham United at the London Stadium.

It was another capital goal-fest for Arne Slot's irresistible side after the 6-3 win at Tottenham seven days previously, the outcome never in doubt as a first-half masterclass left a desperately passive Hammers well beaten.

Liverpool had already missed several chances before Luis Diaz gave them the lead with a powerful finish on the half-hour mark. Cody Gakpo was then the beneficiary of Mohamed Salah's brilliant footwork to add a second after 40 minutes, before the Egyptian inevitably got in on the act himself with a low drive on the stroke of half-time for his 20th goal of a superb season.

Julen Lopetegui's side could not even manage damage limitation as Trent Alexander-Arnold added the fourth after 54 minutes when his long-range effort took a deflection off Max Kilman's head past Alphonse Areola.

Only Mohammed Kudus offered anything resembling hope for the hosts, hitting the woodwork in each half while Luis Guilherme did the same just before the end, but this was no consolation as they were utterly outclassed by this rampant Liverpool outfit.

The gap in quality was emphasised six minutes from time when Salah bamboozled several West Ham defenders with a brilliant run from inside his own half before setting up substitute Diogo Jota for a typically clinical finish.
 
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Liam Delap's exceptional goal-scoring display helped Ipswich earn their first home win of the season as Chelsea's title hopes dwindled.

After scoring a 12th-minute penalty, the 21-year-old striker set up former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson's second eight minutes after the break.

Chelsea dominated possession but were wasteful and the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out a Joao Felix first-half equaliser after a long check for offside.

Earlier, ex-Manchester City striker Delap powered in a penalty that he won himself after VAR judged that there was "sufficient contact" by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen after the Ipswich man had dribbled past him.

Delap later capitalised on Axel Disasi's poor back pass to set up Hutchinson to make it 2-0.

Ipswich's win puts them above Leicester City into 18th and just one point behind Wolves in the table as they look to move out of the bottom three.

Chelsea have now lost consecutive matches following the goalless draw at Everton that ended an eight-match winning run in all competitions, and they remain fourth in the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca's men are 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool - with Arne Slot's pace-setters also having a game in hand - leaving a sustained title challenge looking unlikely.
 
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Ollie Watkins celebrated his 29th birthday with a goal and an assist but his Aston Villa side were held by Brighton in a hard-fought Premier League encounter.

The draw extended Brighton's seven-match winless run, despite the Seagulls scoring first in the 12th minute through Simon Adingra's curling effort on the break.

Having been denied a penalty moments earlier, Villa were awarded one in the 36th minute after a four-minute video assistant referee (VAR) check.

Referee Craig Pawson was called to the pitchside monitor to confirm Brighton forward Joao Pedro had caught Morgan Rogers in the area, just after Lucas Digne had a low shot saved.

Watkins levelled as he sent keeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way with a confident spot-kick on his return to the starting line-up.

Villa completed a fine comeback two minutes into the second half when Watkins chipped a lovely ball over the top which Rogers collected and buried into the bottom corner.

But they were unable to hold on to a fifth win in seven in all competitions as Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey levelled in the 81st minute with a driven finish past Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.

The hosts stayed ninth in the table, three points off fifth spot, which might be enough for Champions League qualification this season.

Brighton, who have won just once in 15 away games at Villa, remained in 10th place.
 
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Newcastle beat Manchester United in a league game at Old Trafford for only the second time since 1972 to condemn their hosts a third straight home loss in all competitions for the first time in more than 60 years.

Not since Sir Matt Busby's days in the 1962-63 season have Manchester United lost three home games in a row.

But early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton gave Eddie Howe's men a thoroughly deserved victory that left them fifth in an impressive end to 2024.

Newcastle have won their last four Premier League games, with the excellent Isak taking his tally to 12 and his recent strike rate to eight in six games, with six in successive games.

In contrast, the home side were abysmal.

Head coach Ruben Amorim replaced forward Joshua Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo in the 33rd minute, confirmation that he had got a starting line-up that paired veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen together in midfield hopelessly wrong.

Marcus Rashford was brought back onto the substitutes bench, but despite watching his side slide to a fourth successive defeat in all competitions and fail to score for the third game on the trot, Amorim opted against introducing the England man into the fray.

United end the year 14th, seven points above the relegation zone. What was once was humorous jibing about a fight to avoid the drop is now a little too close to comfort - and league leaders Liverpool lie in wait at Anfield on Sunday.
 
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Arsenal came from behind to beat Brentford in the first Premier League fixture of 2025 and boost their title hopes.

Bryan Mbeumo put the hosts ahead, but Gabriel Jesus equalised with his sixth goal in four games.

Quickfire strikes from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli then ensured Arsenal left west London with all three points.

It was vindication for manager Mikel Arteta, who named a changed side with Kai Havertz left out while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first Premier League start.

Arsenal are back up to second, six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Brentford stay 12th.

Brentford took the lead in the 12th minute after Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard sloppily gave the ball away in midfield. Mikkel Damsgaard intercepted his pass and slid a through ball for Mbeumo.

The Bees forward cut inside and beat former Brentford goalkeeper David Raya at his near post.

But Arsenal, who were below par for the opening 30 minutes, equalised when Gabriel Jesus headed in the rebound after Thomas Partey's shot was parried away by Mark Flekken.

The Gunners laboured at times during the first half, struggling with the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka.

But they were renewed after the break, scoring twice in eight minutes.

The first came when Brentford failed to clear a corner, Flekken missing his punch, and the resulting goalmouth scramble ended in Merino slamming home from close range.

And they moved 3-1 ahead on 53 minutes when Martinelli cracked a loose ball past Flekken from 12 yards, before easing to victory as Brentford faded.
 
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Alexander Isak continued his magnificent scoring run as Newcastle came from behind to inflict another home defeat on Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham and stretch their winning run in all competitions to six matches

The visitors came into Saturday's Premier League game in scintillating form but fell behind after just three minutes when Pedro Porro's in-swinging delivery was headed in by Dominic Solanke.

However, Anthony Gordon restored parity two minutes later, firing low past Spurs' debutant goalkeeper Brandon Austin into the far corner in front of watching England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Isak dragged a Jacob Murphy cross off target shortly after the half-hour mark but made no mistake from a similar position moments later, slotting home after Radu Dragusin had deflected another Murphy delivery into his path.

The Swede becomes the third Newcastle player to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches, after Alan Shearer in 1996 and Joe Willock in 2021.

Spurs improved after the break and almost equalised 10 minutes into the second half, but Brennan Johnson struck the woodwork from the tightest of angles after Martin Dubravka had kept out Pape Sarr's effort from outside the box.

Second-half substitute James Maddison curled an effort narrowly wide of the far post and Sergio Reguilon lashed a shot off target late on, but there was no way back for Spurs as Postecoglou's team slumped to a fifth home league defeat of the campaign.

BBC Sport
 
Half Time

O9wm7xA.png
 
Screenshot_20250105-004516.jpg

Joao Pedro scored a second-half penalty to dent Arsenal's title hopes as the Gunners were held to a draw by Brighton.

Arsenal went ahead in the 16th minute through Ethan Nwaneri, who was starting just his second match in the Premier League.

The 17-year-old was involved in a clever move with Mikel Merino and Declan Rice before firing a shot that squirmed past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and found the far corner.

Arsenal dominated as they looked to build a bigger lead, and they were to pay for not taking their chances when Pedro struck from the spot just after the hour.

The penalty was awarded for an unusual incident when Pedro flicked the ball up and William Saliba, in attempting to head the ball, made contact with the Brazilian.

The foul was checked and confirmed by the video assistant referee, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty and Pedro then sent David Raya the wrong way to level the scores.

It could have got worse for Arsenal after that, with Brighton substitute Yankuba Minteh curling wide from inside the area when well placed.

The result leaves Arsenal five points behind leaders Liverpool with Mikel Arteta's side having played two games more.

BBC
 
Liverpool's match against Manchester United will go ahead as planned after safety meetings were held to assess the weather and travel conditions.
 
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Raul Jimenez completed a penalty double in stoppage time to rescue a point for Fulham against Ipswich as three spot-kicks were awarded in a dramatic second half

Despite Fulham dominating possession, Ipswich were in front at the break after Sammie Szmodics fired in the opener when wing-back Ben Johnson's header came back off the bar.

But the game really came to life in the second half, with the drama beginning as the home side levelled through a coolly taken Jimenez penalty.

Referee Darren Bond initially waved away Fulham's appeals when Harry Wilson was tripped by Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy, but he overturned that decision after being sent to the screen by his video assistant.

However, a mere 21 seconds after the restart, Fulham defender Timothy Castagne kicked through Ipswich striker Liam Delap when attempting to clear the ball and Bond pointed to the spot again.

Delap duly struck the ball home powerfully for his eighth league goal of the campaign.

The visitors nearly made sure of the points when Jack Clarke's low drive hit the post, but Fulham went down the other end and Jimenez was felled by Leif Davis.

The Mexico striker was quickly back on his feet and another nerveless penalty, hit high into the net, ensured Fulham's unbeaten run stretched to eight league games.

Fulham stay ninth in the Premier League while Ipswich remain 18th, level on points with Wolves who sit a place above them.

BBC Sport
 
Arsenal have a great run in with their last 5 games. Liverpool have a tough run in with their last 5 games. Arsenal have to take it down to the last 5 games
 
Best performance of UTD's season. Anyone thinking it'd be easy against them were foolish - formbook goes out of the window for these games.

They've had too much joy down our right hand side. Trent should've been subbed earlier.
 
Maguire misses a sitter to win it.

2-2

Liverpool 6 points ahead with game in hand
 
What a letoff. Utd should've won.

Good wakeup call for us. We still must travel away to Forest, Brentford, Man City, Bournemouth, Brighton and Chelsea so how on earth can anyone say the title race is over.
 
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