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      Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0: Calvert-Lewin given ‘disgraceful’ red card after VAR review in FA Cup snoozefest

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      DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN suffered the first red card of his career — after another VARcical call.The dullest of FA Cup third round snooze-fests at Selhurst Park was momentarily sparked into life as Calvert-Lewin was shown a bizarre straight red in the 79th minute.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off for his tackle on Nathaniel ClyneCredit: Getty
      The Everton striker will miss the next three gamesCredit: Getty

      In real time, referee Chris Kavanagh saw nothing wrong with the Toffees forward’s lunged tackle on Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne. The ball was won and play carried on.
      Clyne rolled around on the ground for long enough that VAR reared its ugly head with a booming announcement on the big screen to the surprise of the entire ground.
      In slow-motion, studs were up but barely made any contact with Clyne’s shin, explaining the look of pure bafflement on Calvert-Lewin’s face when Kavanagh sent him off after a lengthy review on the pitch side monitor. Harsh is an understatement.
      Fans slammed the decision to send the striker off on social media.
      One posted: “No physical contact at all. Goodness what is going on.”
      A second wrote: “Discgraceful decision by a terrible ref.”
      A third commented: “An absolute joke. The beautiful game is finished RIP FOOTBALL.”
      Fortunately for Sean Dyche – who was both seething and perplexed on the sidelines – the first red card of Calvert-Lewin’s career did not cost his team against Roy Hodgson’s toothless Eagles outfit, going close with a few Eberechi Eze attempts.
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      Dyche’s night got worse as he then watched Dwight McNeil also leave the pitch – carried off on a stretcher after an awkward fall late on.
      In truth, neither side deserved a fourth round spot with an unwanted replay on the horizon later this month. Hopefully that one will have more footballing quality on show.
      Hodgson made just two changes with Matheus Franca and Jeffrey Schlupp replacing Jordan Ayew – away with Ghana for the African Cup of Nations – and Michael Olise, who limped off with another hamstring injury at the end of Palace’s 3-1 Prem win over Brentford last week.
      Brazilian wonderkid Franca, 19, was making his first start for the club since joining on an initial £17m from Flamengo in the summer.
      Dyche also went strong but was clearly not happy with the manner of his side’s recent 3-0 thumping at the hands of Wolves. Jordan Pickford was dropped for the first time this campaign, ending a 24-game stretch, while Seamus Coleman and Arnaut Danjuma were chucked in too.
      A dour first 13 minutes were interrupted by a similarly woeful dive from Eze that earned him a deserved early yellow card.
      In the swirling wind and rain, Everton were dealing with the conditions far better. Danjuma went close twice, smashing the side-netting before forcing Dean Henderson into his first meaningful save, tipping over from a tight angle.
      Donning a tracksuit and old-school Copa Mundial boots, Hodgson was growing frustrated at Nathaniel Clyne’s inability to feed their Samba Boy down the right flank.

      It took 23 minutes for Franca to get his first real run at Toffees left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, skipping past the Ukrainian before being clobbered by James Tarkowski just outside the box.
      Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was living off scraps, but Eze showed magical glimpses, teeing up Jefferson Lerma from 18 yards for a shot that had Virginia worried.
      With what was on offer, there is a reason Palace came into this one with just one league win in nine and Everton had lost their last three.
      At least after the break there was a shot on target to lift the home crowd, who watched Virginia palm away Eze’s directed thump towards the top corner.
      Calvert-Lewin responded, galloping goalwards from Clyne’s error with his ponytail undone and his hair blowing in the London breeze, but the outcome was a tame effort on target.
      Danjuma’s rushed stab at goal was straight at an expectant Henderson, and then out of nowhere, VAR decided to make itself the star of this uninspiring spectacle.
      Mark Halsey on Calvert Lewin red cardIT was an extremely harsh decision to send off Dominic Calvert-Lewin
      Referee Chris Kavanagh had a great view of the incident and did not even give a free-kick initially.
      The Everton striker’s foot was high with studs showing but the contact was minimal on the side of Nathaniel Clyne’s shin.
      None of the players on either side reacted to the challenge.
      I do not understand why VAR Craig Pawson recommended a pitchside review and I’m surprised Kavanagh did not stick with his original decision.
      You can argue it was ‘reckless’ and worthy of a caution but it did not meet the criteria for ‘serious foul play’.
      It did not ‘endanger the safety of an opponent with excessive force or brutality’.
      Those challenges happen all the time and the slo-mo replays always make them appear worse than they are.

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      See how the match unfolded below… More

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      West Ham vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Latest updates and team news as Hammers welcome the Seagulls

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      WEST HAM welcome Brighton to the London Stadium hoping to make it four wins from their last four in the Premier League.In-form West Ham have secured impressive victories over Arsenal and Manchester United over the Christmas period, while Brighton are looking to follow up on an excellent 4-2 win over Tottenham last time out.

      Kick-off time: 7.30pm
      TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event/ NOW

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      Wayne Rooney sacked LIVE: Latest as Birmingham ruthlessly AXE Man Utd legend and begin search for new boss

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      WAYNE ROONEY has been brutally SACKED by Birmingham City just 15 games into his reign at St Andrew’s.The Manchester United and England legend, who only took the job on October 11, won just two games while in charge of Blues.
      When Rooney, 38, took charge of the club they were sitting pretty in 5th under John Eustace – but have plummeted down the Championship table and are now 20th after defeat to Leeds on New Year’s Day.
      Follow our live blog for all the fallout from Wayne Rooney’s sacking and the search for a new manager below…
      Eustace open to Birmingham return
      John Eustace is open to a return to Birmingham if approached – according to the Daily Mail.
      Eustace was replaced by Wayne Rooney in October with the club sixth in the Championship.
      Rooney’s disastrous tenure in charge has seen the Blues drop from sixth to twentieth in just 83 days.
      And despite his brutal sacking, Eustace would be prepared to return in an attempt to save Birmingham’s season.
      Credit: PA
      Birmingham approach Steve Cooper
      Birmingham City are set to meet with Steve Cooper to set out their proposal for him to take over from Wayne Rooney.
      But, they admit it will be an uphill battle – with Cooper attracting interest from Crystal Palace.
      Ralph Hasenhuttl, Reims head coach Will Still, Jesse Marsch, Paul Heckingbottom and England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley are all also being considered.

      Birmingham to approach Steve Cooper
      Birmingham are set to approach Steve Cooper to become their new manager after sacking Wayne Rooney.
      The out-of-work manager is as low as 1/1 in odds with some bookmakers to take over at St Andrews.
      He has long been admired by Premier League Crystal Palace, which could make a deal complicated for Birmingham’s owners to do.
      BBC forced to remove Wayne Rooney tweet
      The BBC were forced to remove a tweet announcing Wayne Rooney’s sacking after criticism from Gary Lineker.
      The official account tweeted: “By order of the Peaky Blinders, Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City.”
      The post was accompanied by a mocked-up photo of Rooney in a flat cap and suit – in full Tommy Shelby style.
      But the Match of the Day host was not happy with the way his employers announced the news.
      Lineker replied: “Delete this.”
      And his bosses promptly listened as the tweet was soon axed as it disappeared from their timeline.

      Where did it all go wrong for Rooney?
      Birmingham finally pulled the trigger on sacking Wayne Rooney after their 3-0 defeat to Leeds at Elland Road last night.
      The manager struggled to implement a more attacking style of play after taking over from John Eustace in October with the club sixth in the Championship.
      It was a disaster from the start, with the club winning just two of Rooney’s 15 games in charge.
      That’s a win percentage of just 13 per cent with the club now in real trouble of relegation – sitting 20th in The Championship table.
      Credit: Reuters
      What next for Roo?
      Here’s a look at five jobs Rooney could end up at after being sacked as Birmingham City boss.
      The Manchester United legend has said that he will take some time away as he considers his options.
      But the likes of Class of 92 owned Salford City and offers from Saudi Arabia could draw him back into management sooner than he expects.

      Next Birmingham boss odds
      Bettingodds.com have released their odds on who will become the next manager of Birmingham following Wayne Rooney’s departure.
      Former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is the current favourite – with Birmingham’s American owners keen on the former RB Leipzig man.
      The shortlist is as follows…

      Jesse Marsch: 7/1
      Gary Rowett: 8/1
      Nathan Jones: 8/1
      Scott Parker: 9/1
      Steve Cooper: 9/1
      Lee Carsley: 10/1
      Will Still: 10/1

      Roo blocked out boos
      Just last night, Rooney insisted he was blocking out the boos and jeers from his own fans as he vowed to keep battling on as Birmingham boss.
      Speaking after the 3-0 loss at Leeds – where chants of “get out of our club” came from the travelling supporters – Rooney said: “I’m a fighter.
      “I get football is about opinions. I’ve spoken to the owners and that’s private.
      “What’s clear is we need some players to come in to help with the quality of the team.
      “We’re going through a difficult period, there’s no denying that, and we need to do everything we can to come out of that.
      “My career wasn’t always about success.
      “I scrapped through a relegation battle with Everton, so I’ve been through difficult moments as well. I believe in myself.
      “It’s important we stick together. I believe we will get through this.
      “The immediate goal is to get out this run of form.”
      Next Birmingham boss odds
      Sky Bet have put up the odds for the next permanent Birmingham City boss – and there are a few interesting inclusions.
      And it is Steve Cooper, recently axed by Nottingham Forest, who has emerged as the early favourite.

      Steve Cooper – 2-1 (F)
      Gary Rowett – 5-1
      Jesse Marsch – 6-1
      John Eustace – 6-1
      Tony Mowbray – 6-1
      Lee Carsley – 9-1

      Selected others:

      Frank Lampard – 12-1
      Graham Potter – 14-1
      John Terry – 16-1
      Neil Warnock – 16-1
      Robbie Fowler – 25-1

      What next for Rooney?
      Rooney admitted this sacking has hurt him personally and he will take some time away from football to recover with his family.
      But after that break, he does want to resume his management career.
      Where could he end up, though?
      While the Manchester United or England job may be a bit too far fetched, Salford City may be an option especially amid the Red Devils links.
      An MLS return with David Beckham’s Inter Miami is on the cards while he could follow fellow ex-Three Lions skipper Steven Gerrard to Saudi Arabia.
      Upcoming fixtures
      Birmingham are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Hull in the FA Cup third round.
      However, the priority now is keeping the Blues in the Championship.
      Their upcoming Championship fixtures are:

      Swansea (H) – Jan 13
      Stoke (A) – Jan 20
      Middlesbrough (H) – Jan 27
      West Brom (A) – Feb 3
      Sheff Weds (A) – Feb 10

      Wayne’s final straw
      Yesterday’s defeat at Leeds proved to be the last game of Rooney’s spell as Birmingham boss.
      The Blues lost 3-0 at Elland Road.
      Patrick Bamford opened the scoring on 34 minutes before Dan James made it 2-0 in first-half injury time.
      Crysencio Summerville then wrapped up the goals midway through the second half.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Alamy
      Credit: Getty
      Spooner takes temporary charge
      Professional development coach Steve Spooner has been placed in interim charge.
      He will take men’s first-team training, supported by the remaining coaching staff – including Ashley Cole and John O’Shea – who have been told they must stay put.
      Blues CEO has his say
      In the Birmingham statement, CEO Garry Cook helped further explain the decision.
      Cook said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St Andrew’s.
      “Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
      “The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
      Rooney believes he deserved more time
      Wayne Rooney has also put out a statement of his own following his dismissal.
      He said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
      “Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Statement on Rooney
      Here’s what Birmingham had to say…
      Birmingham City has today parted company with Manager, Wayne Rooney, and First Team Coach, Carl Robinson.
      Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset.
      Therefore, the Board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the Football Club.
      The Club’s Board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
      The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.
      Birmingham confirm Rooney sacked
      The Blues have now released the statement to confirm that Wayne Rooney has indeed been sacked.
      The West Midlanders announced his departure at 11am with a statement.
      Roo’s wretched record
      Rooney took over on October 11 with Birmingham sixth.
      They are now 20th in the Championship – and are bottom of the table since Rooney took over, with just ten points earned.
      That came from two wins and four draws with nine defeats from his 15 games in charge.
      The Blues had a goal difference on -15 across his tenure and earned just 0.67 points per game.
      Eu were not wanted
      It was a match that just never worked for the former England captain.
      Rooney was brought in after the controversial sacking of Eustace in October.
      Eustace had the best win rate of any Birmingham boss since Gary Rowett, who was in charge at St Andrew’s from October 2014 to December 2016.
      And so when the new owners gave Eustace the boot, it did not go down well with the fans who were beginning to dream of a play-off finish after the strong start to the season.
      Still waiting for official confirmation
      Birmingham City are yet to officially confirm Rooney’s sacking.
      However, SunSport understands the decision has been made.
      And it is just a matter of when, not if, the news is made public by the Blues.
      Rooney SACKED
      We have all the latest news from Birmingham City’s brutal decision to axe Wayne Rooney just 15 games into his reign.
      The Man Utd legend won just two of those games and saw Blues plummet down the table after taking charge.
      Birmingham – who controversially sacked John Eustace while the club were FIFTH – must now start their search for a new manager. More

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      Liverpool 4 Newcastle 2: Mo Salah nets twice after early penalty miss as Reds go 3 points clear and Toon slump continues

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      ON a night of chaos and confusion at Anfield, it was Mo Salah who gave Liverpool the clarity of a three-point lead at the Premier League summit. Now Jurgen Klopp must keep the Reds on top of the pile while his Egyptian magician makes a disappearing act to the Africa Cup of Nations. 
      Mo Salah celebrates scoring Liverpool’s clincherCredit: AFP
      Curtis Jones put Liverpool 2-1 in frontCredit: REUTERS
      Salah scored twice and set up two more, having been denied from the penalty spot by Newcastle’s outstanding keeper Martin Dubravka in the first half. 
      His opener, which set up a manic six-goal second half, was his 150th goal for the club. 
      How the league leaders will miss him when he heads off to the Ivory Coast, in search of international honours – missing up to seven club matches.   
      Newcastle’s visits to Anfield are usually a recipe for bedlam and this was no exception – two disallowed goals in the first half adding to the mayhem. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But after peppering Dubravka’s goal for so long, Liverpool began 2024 with a flourish.
      They have lost just once in 30 Premier League games – and that sole setback was a highway robbery courtesy of VAR at Tottenham.
      Eddie Howe’s Toon, meanwhile, have lost seven times in eight matches in all competitions and have plummeted out of Champions League contention. 
      The Magpies haven’t won away in the Premier League since September and they haven’t won at Anfield in three decades. 
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      This is not what Howe’s Saudi paymasters signed up for.
      Buoyed by Arsenal’s festive nosedive, and against out-of-form opposition, Liverpool knew this was a night to seize the initiative. 
      And they were soon at their visitors’ throats, Trent Alexander-Arnold drilling a shot which was deflected wide and Darwin Nunez seeing a scuffed shot saved from Dubravka. 
      Liverpool were swarming all over the Magpies in the frantic tempo which is the trademark of a Klopp team. 
      And twice in quick succession, the Reds thought they had made the breakthrough. 
      First, Curtis Jones scalpelled open the Toon defence to release Nunez, who slipped a pass to Luis Diaz to fire past Dubravka. 
      Yet linesman Gary Beswick correctly flagged Nunez narrowly offside – VAR catching up with the naked eye several minutes later. 
      Unperturbed, Klopp’s side launched another attack, Diaz darting into the box and being upended by Sven Botman.
      Mo Salah put the Reds 1-0 upCredit: AFP
      Alexander Isak levelled for NewcastleCredit: AFP
      Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot but Salah snatched at his spot-kick, which was too close to Dubravka, who saved. 
      From the rebound, Alexander-Arnold skied a close-range shot and the Magpies were off the hook again. 
      It was the fourth time Salah had missed from the spot in ten attempts – so perhaps one disguised blessing of the Egyptian’s absence is that Klopp can choose a more trusty penalty taker. 
      Next, it was Nunez’s chance to be wasteful, out-muscling Botman as he went for a long punt but thwarted by Dubravka, who stuck out a leg to save his shot, then denied the Uruguayan again from the rebound. 
      Just when it felt Howe’s men were being smothered into submission, they broke upfield and found the net – only to be frustrated by another offside flag. 
      Dan Burn nodded home a Lewis Miley cross but linesman Adam Nunn scrubbed it out for a razor-thin offside against Alexander Isak in the build-up.
      Alexander-Arnold, with extreme audacity, then crashed a shot against the far post from the narrowest of angles – and the shot count read 18-1 in Liverpool’s favour, the hosts rattling up the highest number of goal attempts by any team in the first half of a Premier League match this season.
      Yet none had counted and by half-time, Klopp and side began to lose their cool – Diaz booked for dissent after Joelinton twice avoided entries into Taylor’s book, while Klopp, typically, was doing his conkers at fourth official Andy Madley.

      Still, within four minutes of the restart all of that frustration subsided as Salah struck.  
      Nunez drove forward and fed Diaz who angled a pass back to the Uruguayan, who squared unselfishly for Salah to stroke home his landmark goal.  
      Dubravka was soon back to denying Nunez, smothering at point-black range after a delicious volleyed centre from Salah and then pushing the Uruguayan’s powerful shot wide. 
      Nobody saw a Newcastle equaliser coming but that’s exactly what we got. 
      Anthony Gordon played a cute through-ball down the left flank and with Van Dijk playing him onside, Isak latched on and tucked it past Alisson into the far corner. 
      Dubravka beat away a Diaz shot, then Nunez screwed a header wide from six yards out and promptly made way for Cody Gakpo, as part of a triple change from Klopp. 
      Salah had a curler pushed away by Dubravka, who soon blocked a fierce Gakpo drive. 
      But inevitably, the Slovak was eventually beaten again, Diogo Jota driving forward and collecting a sweet return pass for Salah before he squared for Jones to tap home. 
      Soon it was 3-1, a gorgeous pass from Salah with the outside of his boot, allowing Gakpo a simple finish – only for Botman to crash home a header from a Sean Longstaff corner to keep it bubbling. 
      Read more on The Sun
      Jota rounded Dubravka and dived horribly, fooling Taylor and his VAR, allowing Salah to fire home his second from the spot.
      Follow how the action unfolded in our live blog below… More

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      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal LIVE RESULT – Gunners lose ground in title race AGAIN as De Cordova-Reid goal seals huge win – latest

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      ARSENAL finished 2023 with a defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.Bukayo Saka tapped in from close range to give Mikel Arteta’s side the lead inside five minutes.
      Raul Jimenez finished off a superb Fulham counter-attack just before the half-hour mark to put the Cottagers back on level terms.
      And De Cordova-Reid slammed home the winner after some abject Gunners defending in the box in the second half.

      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
      Live stream: NOW
      Fulham team: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson, Palhinha, Cairney, De Cordova-Reid, Iwobi, Willian, Jimenez
      Arsenal team: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

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      Follow our live blog below…
      Full time – Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      It’s all over! A huge result for Fulham – and an even bigger one for Arsenal as far as their season is concerned.
      The Gunners miss the opportunity to go top of the Premier League despite leading inside five minutes at Craven Cottage.
      However, goals from Raul Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid turned the game around, and the Cottagers defiantly saw out any Arsenal response in the pouring rain with courage and charisma.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      90+4. Arsenal win back-to-back corners, but towering headers from Tosin and Diop relieve the pressure.
      The ball comes back to Trossard on the right, but his deep cross is so deep that it soars over Bernd Leno and out for a goalkick.
      That could be the end of the road for the Gunners.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Jimenez yellow card
      90+2 . It’s not often you see a player yellow carded for being pushed over but it’s just happened to Raul Jimenez.
      Admittedly, he was trying to thump a dead ball into the Hammersmith End to waste time.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      90. Arsenal will have five minutes of stoppage time if they are to rescue something.
      These Fulham players have been magnificent though, and deserve all three points.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      88. Pereira curls the free-kick over the wall…
      …and on to the crossbar!
      Fulham so, so close to sealing victory.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      87. Saliba brings down Wilson as he races through on goal… is this going to be a red card?! No, it’s only yellow.
      The Fulham players and boss Marco Silva are absolutely furious, and feel the Arsenal defender denied a goalscoring opportunity.
      Saliba perhaps was helped by the fact that Gabriel was rushing back to support his partner.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      85. Fulham are looking the more likely to add to the score on the break.
      Arsenal just look out of ideas.
      Can they salvage something here? Can they salvage their season?
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      83. Saka has a sight of goal, but just as he’s about to fire past Leno, Palhinha arrives with a superb thumping challenge.
      The Portuguese boss lifts himself up from the turf and lets out a celebratory roar and fist pump.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Fulham double substitution
      81. A double change from the Cottagers brings Harry Wilson – on for his 100th Fulham appearance – and Issa Diop into the game.
      Willian and Bobby Decordova-Reid make way.
      It will mean a three at the back for Marco Silva’s team in the final stages.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      79. A defensive header from Castagne brings Arsenal their first corner of the game, but it’s defended well by the home side.
      The Fulham defence are less convincing moments later when a cross from the left travels through everyone, only to evade Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel at the back stick.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Bassey yellow card
      78. Calvin Bassey – sent off for two bookable offences at Arsenal – is yellow carded against the Gunners again.
      And just like his first at the Emirates, it’s for supposed time-wasting.
      Back in August, he was booked for delaying a goalkick despite Saka still being inside the penalty area.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Arsenal substitution
      77. Another throw of the dice from Mikel Arteta.
      The Gunners haven’t found much width this afternoon, but maybe Reiss Nelson can change that. He replaces Kai Havertz.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      75. Tom Cairney continues to play a captain’s role for Fulham, keeping possession, making space and bringing others into the game.
      Just a really lovely footballer.
      The torrential rain has absolutely flattened his quiff, mind.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      73. As it stands, Arsenal sit fourth in the Premier League with Tottenham – currently 1-0 up against Bournemouth – breaking down their necks.
      Two goals would change it all though, and the Gunners would be back at the summit.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Fulham substitution
      71. The heavens have opened in south-west London and the rain is hammering it down now. It’s really windy too. We could be in for a chaotic end of this contest.
      Meanwhile, Marco Silva makes his first change, bringing on Andreas Pereira for Alex Iwobi, who departs to warm applause from both sets of fans.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      69. Fulham aren’t done attacking despite the arrival of Arsenal reinforcements.
      Raul Jimenez attempts a ridiculous 20-yard rabona (and clatters into Tomiyasu), but following up Cairney lets fly with an effort that forces Raya into a diving push away.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Arsenal double substitution
      67. Odegaard whips the free-kick up over the wall…
      …and the crossbar.
      That’s the cue for Mikel Arteta to make two further changes, introducing Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.
      Off go Gabriel Martinelli and Ben White so it’s a rare opportunity for Jesus and Nketiah to play together.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Cairney yellow card
      65. The first booking of the game goes to Fulham captain Tom Cairney, who is late in his attempt to stop a spinning Saka.
      It’s a free-kick to Arsenal about 25 yards from goal. Odegaard stands over it.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      63. A chance for an immediate response!
      Robinson and Tosin make heavy work of dealing with Martinelli’s cross from the left, allowing it to drift through to an unmarked Saka at the far post.
      The Arsenal forward has to take it on the volley, but gets his connection all wrong, sending it high over the crossbar.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      61. Arsenal have less than half hour to rescue this one if they are to bring in the new year at the top of the Premier League.
      On the touchline, Mikel Arteta looks concerned.
      Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
      59. Fulham have come from behind to lead at Craven Cottage!
      But if the equaliser was stylish, their second is an absolute mess.
      Willian’s outswinging corner from the right is met by Palhinha’s header into the back of Declan Rice.
      The ball diverts towards Gabriel, whose attempted clearance hits Takehiro Tomiyasu and falls for Bobby Decordova-Reid to crash into the roof of the net from eight yards.
      Fulham in front!

      Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

      58. Fulham are having their best spell of pressure in the second period.
      A couple of crosses have had the visiting defence in trouble, and it brings the hosts successive corners.
      Fulham 1-1 Arsenal
      56. Excellent defending from Saliba cuts out a Palhinha through ball that would have had Jimenez through on goal.
      Fulham 1-1 Arsenal
      54. Arsenal are moving steadily into Fulham’s final third.
      But while they were breaking records for touches in the penalty area without scoring on Thursday, they are struggling to get into the home side’s box today.
      It makes you wonder how long it will be before we see Gabriel Jesus. More

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      Tottenham vs Bournemouth LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest updates as in-form Cherries travel to Spurs

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      TOTTENHAM are facing the most in-form team in the Premier League as they aim to return to winning ways.Bournemouth are unbeaten in seven league games including winning the last four, while Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs went down 4-2 at Brighton in their last game.

      Kick-off: 2pm
      TV channel/ live stream: Not televised live in the UK

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      Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd LIVE: Nuno’s side host Red Devils in huge Premier League clash – updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED take on Nottingham Forest in their final game of 2023 tonight at the City Ground.United beat Aston Villa 3-2 after an epic comeback at Old Trafford earlier this week, but they face a confident Forest side who overcame Newcastle at St James’ Park in their last game.

      Kick-off time: 5.30pm GMT
      Stream: NOW TV/Sky Go
      Forest XI: To follow
      Man Utd XI: To follow

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      City Ground to act as twelfth man
      The atmosphere at home has been the reason for their Premier League survival.
      It will be a cauldron of noise today for the visit of Man Utd.
      Forest need to try and put back to back wins together to distance themselves from the bottom three with Luton having lost to Chelsea earlier today.
      Wood you believe it
      Not many will have had Forest to win at Newcastle on their betting slips in the last game.
      Having gone behind to an Isak penalty, things did not look good for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
      However, a Chris Wood hat-trick against his old club ensured that Forest took all three points.
      Big test for ten Hag’s comeback kings
      In their last game, Man Utd found themselves trailing at home 2-0 to Aston Villa.
      They came out of the traps in the second half and did not give the visitors a moment’s peace as they managed to turn things around to win 3-2.
      Ten Hag knows it is all about stringing results together and they need to win at the City Ground today to start pushing on for European qualification.
      Welcome to Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd
      Nuno Espirito Santo goes up against Erik ten Hag with both sides full of confidence after big results last time out, with the hosts winning at Newcastle, while Man Utd came back to beat Aston Villa.
      Forest are still without Taiwo Awoniyi, Felipe and Serge Aurier as a result of injuries.
      Ibrahim Sangare will be unavailable as he serves a suspension for accumulating five yellow cards this season but Willy Boly returns after serving his own suspension.
      Orel Mangala, Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez will all be looking for a start in midfield due to the suspension of Sangare.
      Anthony Elanga will support Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi in attack.
      As for Man Utd, they will be without Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Victor Lindelof due to injury.
      Meanwhile Anthony Martial, Sofyan Amrabat and Luke Shaw all remain doubtful as they work their way back from injury.
      Sergio Reguilon will be pushing for a start at the expense of Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Scott McTominay is likely to replace either Christian Eriksen or Kobbie Mainoo.
      Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to retain their places to support Rasmus Hojlund in attack with Bruno Fernandes supporting the striker. More

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      in Soccer

      Luton 2-3 Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Blues hang on to secure vital Premier League win despite late fightback from Hatters

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      CHELSEA have beaten Luton 3-2 at Kenilworth Road to sign off 2023 with a vital win.The Blues took the lead through Cole Palmer’s emphatic finish after pouncing on a defensive error from the Hatters.
      Chelsea doubled their lead on 37 minutes through Noni Madueke’s thunderous strike.
      Palmer got his second of the afternoon in the second half after beating Thomas Kaminski with superb skill before scoring Chelsea’s third.
      Former Blue Ross Barkley converted from a late Luton corner to make it 3-1 before Elijah Adebayo tapped in for 3-2 to set up a grandstand finish, but it wasn’t to be for the Hatters.

      Match result: Luton 2-3 Chelsea
      Luton team: Kaminski, Doughty, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Kabore, Lokonga, Barkley, Townsend, Adebayo, Brown
      Chelsea team: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Jackson; Broja

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      Cold-Palmer seals win for Blues
      At just 21-years-old, Cole Palmer has the head on him of a player much more mature in his game.
      Named player of the match for his two goals today, the calmness under pressure to slot home his second goal was impressive.
      Nothing seems to phase him and he has added some real quality in the final third for Chelsea.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Chelsea make huge step towards top
      Victory today at Kenilworth Road cements tenth place for The Blues but also leaves them only a point behind Newcastle.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side are now only three points behind Man Utd in seventh place.
      The Argentine manager will see the two wins this week as a step in the right direction for his team.
      Barkley comes back to haunt old friends
      The goal by Ross Barkley ignited the comeback from Luton which almost saw them come from three goals down to draw.
      Sadly for Rob Edwards’ side, they just could not find that third goal.
      Barkley was integral to everything Luton Town did well today and is starting to shine in the heart of this side.

      FT: Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
      Luton had their first shot on target in the 77th minute and then in the remaining time they had six shots on target, hit the crossbar twice and had a goal disallowed.
      Chelsea can count themselves lucky to hold on for the win in the end.
      Rob Edwards’ side turned the screw in the final moments and came so close to scoring an equaliser.

      FT: Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
      The referee brings this titanic battle to an end at Kenilworth Road.
      Chelsea hang on for a vital three points.
      For Luton, they will feel they could have got something out of this.
      Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
      90+4. Gusto is shown a yellow card for delaying the throw in for too much time.
      Chong turns away from Gallagher and is fouled once again.
      Luton are hoping that they can create one more chance now.
      Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
      90+2. Chelsea have brought Gilchrist on for Cole and switched to five at the back now.
      Chong whips another dangerous ball in but Ogbene cannot control it at the back post.
      Rob Edwards punches the air in anger that they could not turn it in.
      Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
      90. Moments ago Chelsea fans were singing about how their team was the best in the world.
      It’s highly debatable if they are the best team in Kenilworth Road right now.
      Chong gets to the byline and whips the ball in and Thiago Silva clears the ball from his own goal line.
      We are going to have an additional six minutes added.
      Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
      88. We have a game on our hands now.
      As the cross comes in from Ogbene as it is fired towards goal, Petrovic makes a save but the ball loops up in the air.
      Adebayo is on the back post to volley home and send Kenilworth Road into raptures.
      Credit: AFP
      Goal – Elijah Adebayo (Luton Town)
      Luton Town 1-3 Chelsea
      86. Gallagher goes into the back of Chong, giving away a foul.
      Doughty stands over the free kick.
      He finds Morris at the back post and his header comes crashing off the crossbar.
      The replay shows that Petrovic got a fingertip to it, great save.
      Luton Town 1-3 Chelsea
      84. Ogbene gets another good delivery into the box.
      Chelsea fail to deal with the cross and Doughty keeps it in play.
      Morris gets his head to it but Petrovic makes the save.
      Luton Town 1-3 Chelsea
      82. As the corner comes in from Luton, Barkley meets it at the near post with a header to finally put the ball into the back of the net for Rob Edwards’ side.
      They had their first shot on target in the 77th minute and now they have their goal.
      Another one for the hosts would make for an interesting end to this game.
      Goal – Ross Barkley (Luton Town)
      Luton Town 0-3 Chelsea
      80. What a miss for the hosts.
      Ogbene crosses from the right and Adebayo thunders his header against the crossbar from two yards out.
      Petrovic didn’t move, he had to score.
      Luton Town 0-3 Chelsea
      78. Chelsea fans are starting to enjoy their day out here.
      With time running out, you cannot see them losing this now.
      Barkley looks to place a shot from outside the box but it is straight at Petrovic.
      Credit: Getty
      Luton Town 0-3 Chelsea
      76. For a moment there, Luton thought they had a chance to get back into this game.
      As the replay shows, Adebayo was coming back from on offside position in the build up.
      He finished well as the cross came in, heading into the bottom corner, but it was to be ruled out.
      Goal disallowed – Offside
      VAR check in progress
      Goal – Elijah Adebayo (Luton Town)
      Luton Town 0-3 Chelsea
      74. It seems a bizarre decision by Man City to let Palmer leave.
      He has so much to offer and is only going to get better.
      The player seems to rarely be injured also, which is key to any side.
      Luton Town 0-3 Chelsea
      72. Palmer has been the difference between these two sides.
      The quality and skill of the Chelsea youngster has just been too much for Luton to cope with.
      That said, Kabore got the ball rolling when he passed the ball to Palmer to gift him his first goal.
      Luton Town 0-3 Chelsea
      70. That is surely game over now.
      Palmer makes a run and is slotted in, he skips around Kaminski and dummies a shot so the defender commits himself.
      He uses that to slide the ball into an empty net.
      Goal – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
      Luton Town 0-2 Chelsea
      68. Madueke plays a short corner to Palmer.
      He checks onto his left and looks to fire a shot away.
      Chong does well to block and bring the ball out for Luton.
      Credit: Getty More