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MANCHESTER CITY closed the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to five points with a 1-0 win over Chelsea. Riyad Mahrez put the visitors ahead with a tap-in after a brilliant cross from Jack Grealish midway through the second half.
And Pep Guardiola’s side managed to hang on despite some late pressure from a young Chelsea side.

Start time: 8pm
TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Premier League
Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Zakaria, Kovacic, Pulisic, Ziyech, Sterling, Havertz
Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Ake, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Gundogan (C), Bernardo, Haaland, Foden

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That’s all from Stamford Bridge
Gunners beware! The Manchester City title charge is coming!
Pep Guardiola utilised his expensive squad of stars to turn a tough Stamford Bridge test in his favour tonight as they closed the gap at the top to five points.
Chelsea, meanwhile, can take heart in defeat.
Despite further injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic, the hosts ended the game with three teenagers on the pitch proving that the future is bright, even if their current predicament has fans feeling blue.
Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.
Champions narrow gap on Gunners
There could have been ten points between the sides on Tuesday evening, but as we end Thursday Arsenal lead Manchester City by just five.
However, we’re not even at the halfway stage of the season yet because of the World Cup, and the table may look quite different after the next round of Premier League games when City travel to Manchester United, and the Gunners visit Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in tenth, their lowest position at this stage of the season since Jose Mourinho’s final season in 2015-16.
The Blues also have a local derby next up with them due to visit high-flying Fulham next Thursday.
Credit: premierleague.com
City’s Jack in the box
Jack Grealish was left out of Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up, but was introduced in the second half to make a difference – even if his introduction caught him by surprise.
The England man has now assisted three goals across his last three Premier League appearances for Manchester City, doubling his tally from his first 34 games in the competition for the club.
I didn’t think I was coming on, and then Riyad [Mahrez] said, ‘Jack you’re coming on!’ And I was like, ‘Oh buzzin’, I’ll see ya later!’Jack GrealishSky Sports

City strike while hot
After making two changes at half-time, Manchester City came our roaring in the second half and eventually got their goal when at their most dominant.
The following Opta graphic highlights the points during the contest when each side was in the ascendancy.

Stones a rock in defence
Manchester City centre-back John Stones put in a monster performance at Stamford Bridge, epitomised by his first half challenge to deny Christian Pulisic a shot at goal.
After picking up the man of the match award, the England defender admitted that he feels his game is in a good place, but he’s not yet getting carried away with the title race.
I feel like I’ve been in a good zone for the past two or three years. I have had to work on my game and be a better player and person. We don’t focus on the Premier League table. There are still 63 points to play for so we just have to take it game by game.John StonesSky Sports
Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
Match stats from Stamford Bridge
After a first half edged by the hosts, City found their class at the start of the second period and ended as deserved winners.

Full time – Chelsea 0-1 Man City
Paul Tierney calls time on this capital clash, and Manchester City will take three points back north with them as they close the gap on leaders Arsenal to five.
The only goal of the game came courtesy of substitute Riyad Mahrez with a close range finish, laid on for him by fellow sub Jack Grealish.
It’s a tough take for Chelsea, who ended with a very young side after losing Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic to injury early in proceedings.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City – Koulibaly yellow card
90+4. With Chelsea throwing men forward, Mahrez wins back the ball and threatens to counter.
The Algerian doesn’t get too far before meeting the bruising figure of Koulibaly, who receives a yellow card for his trouble.
That should be enough to get City over the line.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
90+1. Hall with the chance! Wide!
Another decisive run from Chukwuemeka through the middle is topped by his perfectly-weighted pass left to his fellow substitute.
Hall’s first touch is a little loose, but he still has a clear sight of goal and teammates in the middle.
The teenager takes the shot on, and arrows it high and wide of the near post.
Was that the opportunity for Chelsea?

Chelsea 0-1 Man City
90. There will be a minimum of four minutes to be played at Stamford Bridge.
Four minutes for Manchester City to survive.
Four minutes for Chelsea to rescue a point.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City – Kovacic yellow card
89. In the final minute, the first yellow card of the game.
De Bruyne, Haaland and Grealish combine to bring the ball out of defence and counter.
The former Villa star has room to gallop through the middle, but is stopped crudely in his tracks by Kovacic trying to get back.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
88. Chukwuemeka leads the charge down the left as Chelsea come again.
The impressive Hall eventually takes over with a cross that deflects into the danger area, only for Grealish to cooly clear.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City – Man City substitution
86. He’s not just a sexy body.
Kalvin Phillips is on to show his worth to Pep Guardiola in other ways, replacing Rodri in City’s midfield for the final few minutes.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
85. As Havertz wins a free-kick just inside the City half, Rodri goes down with cramp.
It may just be a little bit of game management from the Spanish midfielder, but Pep Guardiola is taking no chances and is preparing a final substitution.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City
83. There’s still something in this for Chelsea, you know.
They’re not creating any chances, but through Gallagher’s enthusiasm, they are giving City something to think about.
Don’t rule out a surprise twist yet.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
81. Zakaria is going to complete 90 minutes of football for Chelsea for the first time this evening.
A combination of hard work, persistence and the luck of his teammates dropping like flies, has made the Swiss midfielder a key component of Graham Potter’s team.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
80. It’s headless, but my word is it entertaining.
I’m talking about Conor Gallagher’s one-man press, of course.
The substitute goes chasing after Akanji and then Stones, somehow keeping the ball in play, and – even more surprisingly – without conceding another free-kick.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
78. In a moment of frustration, Gallagher flies into Stones seconds after the defender had released the ball.
It’s probably the most worthwhile thing the midfielder has done in three months.

Chelsea 0-1 Man City
76. Of course, Chelsea would have to get the ball first.
City are keeping possession very well at the moment.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
75. Fifteen remaining at the Bridge.
This one looks to be going City’s way at the moment, but while the lead is just one, there’s always a chance.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
74. Hall shows himself a willing runner by bursting in front of Mahrez to intercept Ederson’s throw.
With space ahead of him, Kovacic’s eyes light up, but the long range shot that follows is horribly off target.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
72. Haaland almost slides in for a second.
More crisp movement down the flanks from City offer the chance to cross, and again a low centre catches Kepa in no-man’s land.
This time the Chelsea goalkeeper gets away with his inaction with Haaland a yard short of being able to convert.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
70. Twenty minutes remain, and it’s worth pondering that veteran centre-back Thiago Silva is still six months older than the combined age of recent subs Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City – Chelsea triple substitution
68. Some bold moves from Graham Potter.
The Chelsea boss has decide to make his final three changes, and includes two more teenagers in Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson.
Also on is Conor Gallagher, but off has gone Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was only brought on as a substitute himself 63 minutes ago.
Hakim Ziyech and Marc Cucurella also depart.
Chelsea 0-1 Man City
67. It’s now only the Manchester City fans that can be heard, serenading their players from the Shed End of Stamford Bridge.
Will the home fans have anything to sing about before the end?
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JESSE MARSCH’S Leeds United host West Ham in what could prove to be a crucial clash in the Premier LeagueBoth sides are keen for points, sitting towards the bottom half of the table.
David Moyes’ side have been underwhelming and would have had aspirations for Europe at the start of the season.
There’s still time to get their season back on track but they will be hoping for three points against Leeds.

Kick-off time: 7:45pm UK
Leeds XI: To follow
West Ham XI: To follow

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DAVID MOYES insists there are times when he hates this job – it wasn’t difficult to see why.His under-fire Hammers had come from behind to lead a game that would have hauled them away from the drop zone and given them the most emotional of victories.
Rodrigo scored the equaliser for Leeds in the second halfCredit: Getty
West Ham are now six league games without a winCredit: Getty
Then up stepped Spanish striker Rodrigo, drilling a 20-yard fizzer into the bottom corner and all of a sudden a night memorable for the right reasons became like so many others this season.
Two points lost – from being 2-1 ahead it certainly wasn’t one gained – and for manager Moyes, another night cursing his luck.
How they were desperate to win in tribute to David Gold, the co-owner who died on the morning of the game. How they looked like doing so for a good while, too.
Yet in the end just another shining example of why they are so deep in the mire. They went from bad to blinding…and promptly slid all the way back again to end up clinging on.
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No wonder Moyes is at the end of his tether with this lot. If ever a side knows how to put their manager through the mincer it is West Ham.
They had fallen behind after gift-wrapping a goal for Leeds, battled back to edge in front – admittedly thanks to a couple of home-side clangers – and then fallen apart for a second time.
A night they would have loved to become a victory in honour of Gold, whose empty seat was emotionally left vacant save for a bunch of memorial flowers, instead became a scrap for a draw.
Mind you, when their defence parted to leave Wilf Gnonto with a clear route to goal on 27 minutes, even that looked beyond them.
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Wilf Gnonto celebrates opening the scoringCredit: Getty
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There was no immediate danger when Gnonto got the ball 30 yards out, but the Hammers backline melted into the night and left him with a one on one from Crysencio Summerville’s pass.
It was simply shocking defending. It has been that way too often this term, as five straight defeats backed up and left Moyes tearing his hair out.
Mind you, his Elland Road counterpart Jesse Marsch has hardly been finding life a barrel of laughs either, of late, with the Leeds gaffer also bemoaning how awful and lonely the job can be.
When his side defends a lead as they did last night, you can see what he means, too.
If home fans hoped going in front would steady nerves and give them a relaxing night at last, they were woefully mistaken.
Because a couple of minutes before the break West Ham were level, although to be fair it shouldn’t have needed the intervention of VAR to give them the opportunity.
After Jarrod Bowen tumbled under Pascal Struijk’s stab-footed challenge, the ball broke to Pablo Fornals bang in front, but he pulled his shot wide.
Time, then, for referee David Coote to review the incident on the touchline, realise he’d dropped a clanger and follow his square-in-the-air by pointing to the spot.
Paqueta equalised from the penalty spotCredit: Reuters
With Bowen and Rice both having missed penalties, and Said Benrahma – who scored their last penalty – on the bench, Lucas Paqueta took the responsibility.
The clinical manner he buried his effort right in the corner, after a stop-start, stuttering approach suggests the Brazilian may well have the job for as long as he wants it, too.
If that was a goal of Leeds’ own creation, less than a minute after the break they had come up with an even bigger blunder. Or to be more specific, Brenden Aaronson had.
When Aaronson tried to return Robin Koch’s pass, he unwittingly picked out Gianluca Scamacca and the Italian stuck it in the corner from 20 yards.
From leading to losing, suddenly tempers were frayed and Summerville showed his own short fuse with one nasty lunge that left Vladimir Coufal hobbling.
The lengthy treatment had home fans baying “what the f*** is going on.” It was a question they’d have been better off asking of their own side’s performance.
It seemed that West Ham, for all things were getting nervy, had broken the back of the job. We should have known better.
For on 70 minutes Jack Harrison stroked a pass to Rodrigo, and Leeds’ leading scorer picked out the bottom corner to level it.
Had Sam Greenwood’s corner fallen to a striker rather than centre back Liam Cooper two yards out, Leeds could even have nicked the win.
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Scamacca’s long-range strike handed the Hammers an early second half leadCredit: Getty
In the end, though, no-one really deserved all three points and they had to content themselves with a solitary one which doesn’t do either of them the world of good.
It’s going to be a long old four months for them both…

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NOTTINGHAM FOREST travel south for a huge Premier League clash against relegation rivals Southampton.Both sides are battling to stay up, with Nathan Jones tasked with the responsibility of keeping Southampton in the Premier League.
Steve Cooper’s side are full of confidence going into the match, having held Chelsea to a draw last time out.
Both sides know a win today would be monumental as they seek survival in the Premier League.

Kick-off time: 7:30pm UK
Southampton XI: To follow
Nottingham Forest XI: To follow

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CRYSTAL PALACE welcome Tottenham to Selhurst Park with Spurs looking to keep their top-four chase firmly on track.Antonio Conte’s side are at a low ebb, having put up a pitiful performance against Aston Villa on New Year’s Eve and now their leaky defence has conceded 11 goals in their last five games.
A win at Palace would keep their top four hopes alive but the Eagles are no mugs, having won three out of their last five, including a 2-0 win over Bournemouth since the Prem return.
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LOCAL rivals Aston Villa take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.Wolves remain in a perilous position in the table, inside the relegation zone and set for a scrap in the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery has injected a fresh sense of purpose to Villa’s ranks and they have beaten Manchester United, Brighton and away at Tottenham in their last five games.

Kick-off time: 8pm UK
TV channel/live stream: The game is not being televised in the UK

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FRANK LAMPARD is staring into the abyss for it will surely be a miracle if he holds onto his job.Given the total humiliation his team suffered, another one will be needed to stop Everton sliding out of the top flight for the first time since 1951.
Everton are left in a relegation scrap after their Brighton drubbingCredit: Reuters
Yet right now neither Lampard’s job as Everton manager nor the Toffees’ place in the Premier League look like they can be saved.
Already a goal ahead at half time through Kaoru Mitoma’s fine early strike, the Seagulls then spent five minutes slicing through craven and clueless opposition.
In that time just after the break Evan Ferguson, Solly March and Pascal Gross scored three more amidst a total collapse.
The sight of Idrissa Gueye rolling the ball into the path of Gross for the last of that trio of strikes in the 57th minute said it all about this capitulation.
His supposed back-pass was the perfect example of a team that has given up, lost all hope – one that was slumping to a third successive home defeat.
Plenty of those wearing Everton blue gave up and went home at that point.
None who remained could blame them.
Rarely in the near-72 years since the Goodison club last found itself in the second tier of English football can there have been such a pathetic display.
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Lampard’s side took the pitch having supposedly re-invented the Goodison dogs of war of the old thanks to a battling New Year’s Eve point against Manchester City.
They were anything but in front of their despairing faithful against a Roberto De Zerbi side too good, too put together and much too passionate for them.
Lampard took over from the hated “agent” Rafa Benitez 27 days short of a year ago now and this was his 41st game in charge.
After last season’s escape he was supposed to have been the author of the re-birth of the Blues.
But he stood, arms folded, speechless and apparently lost as the team he put out on the pitch itself folded.
Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez, now jobless after Belgium’s Wold Cup no – show, is available.
Had Everton chairman had his way around 12 months ago, the first of six managers to leave Goodison under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri would have succeeded Benitez then.
He might well get another opportunity now for Lampard, with Manchester United coming up in Friday’s FA Cup third round tie, looks like being the seventh head to role under Moshiri.
Kaoru Mitoma opens the scoring for BrightonCredit: Getty
Kaoru Mitoma celebrates Brighton’s openerCredit: Reuters
Evan Ferguson puts Brighton 2-0 upCredit: Reuters
Evan Ferguson celebrates Brighton’s second goalCredit: Reuters
None of which should take away from the excellence of Brighton’s attacking, albeit against a side that played with little or no aggression and desire, far less pride.
Kauru Mitoma started the destruction in the 14th minute.
He collected an average cross-field pass from Moises Caciedo and turned it into a great one as he darted away from Nathan Patterson and Conor Coady to slam past Jordan Pickford.
Then up stepped Ferguson, aged 18, making his first Prem start, and a living reminder of another striker by that name who once ruled Goodison.
But Big Dunc is only a memory these days, young Ferguson a barnstorming reminder.
He shot against a post, barged through defenders, had a spat with James Tarkowski then tapped in for Brighton’s second six minutes after the interval.
Soon March was firing into the bottom corner before Gueye’s awful attempt at sending the ball back to Pickford allowed Gross to chip over the stranded England No1.
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Demarai Gray slotted an injury time penalty but that was never going to lift the blues around the place – or give Lampard much hope of keeping his job.
Barring a couple of miracles, of course.
Solly March puts Brighton 3-0 aheadCredit: Getty
Solly March celebrates his goalCredit: Reuters
Pascal Gross makes it 4-0Credit: Reuters
Demarai Gray pulls one back from the spotCredit: Getty
Everton boss Frank Lampard looks on in defeatCredit: PA
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MANCHESTER UNITED romped to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bournemouth – and Marcus Rashford scored again. The Red Devils started the game sloppily but went 1-0 up thanks to a goal from Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
Luke Shaw doubled United’s lead before Rashford made it three late in the game on a comfortable night for Erik Ten Hag’s side.

Start time: 8pm
TV/Live stream: Not televised in UK
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Eriksen, Van De Beek, Casemiro, Martial, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford
Bournemouth XI: Travers, Cook, Kelly, Mepham, Lerma, Solanke, Christie, Smith, Senesi, Billing, Anthony

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That’s all from Manchester
Manchester United picked up a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
United opened the scoring after just 23 minutes when Christian Eriksen delivered a free kick from the left and found an unmarked Casemiro who tapped the ball past Mark Travers.
The Red Devils doubled their lead on 49 minutes when Luke Shaw put together a stunning solo effort and passed to Bruno Fernandes, who then switched to Alejandro Garnacho to his right.
Garnacho delivered a beautiful low cross and telegraphed Shaw’s run before the full-back beat Travers from close distance.
United sealed the win when Shaw’s wonderful cross from the left found Fernandes at the far post and the Portugal international set Marcus Rashford up in front of open goal to make it 3-0 in the 86th minute.
That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
Credit: PA
Erik ten Hag reacts
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is pleased with the win over Bournemouth but insists his team should have still done better.
Ten Hag added that “it’s not looking good” for Donny van de Beek after his first-half injury.
The Dutch tactician told the BBC: “I am happy with 3-0, that is obvious and quite clear but today was not our best game.
“We didn’t play smart as a team and sometimes we were lucky.
“It’s not looking good [for Van de Beek] but we have to wait 24 hours to know the extent [of the damage]”
Credit: Getty
More Rashford records
That’s not the only piece of history Manchester United star Marcus Rashford makes.
Rashford’s goal against Bournemouth is even more special than scoring in six successive home appearances across all competitions for United.
The forward netted in four consecutive appearances in all competitions for the first time in his Old Trafford career.
That was the England international’s seventh Premier League goal this season
Credit: Getty
Marcus Rashford record
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford scored his team’s third against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
That means Rashford is the first player to net in six successive home appearances across all competitions for United.
That is the first time someone does that since the Red Devils’ record goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
Rooney went on to score in seven consecutive home matches back in 2012
Credit: Getty
Shaw Luke-d good
Manchester United star Luke Shaw stood out against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Shaw scored United’s second and produced a stunning cross that led to the third.
And as the graph shows below the full-back absolutely owned the left flank.
Check it out:

Updated Premier League table
Manchester United remain fourth in the Premier League table with a game at hand.
United are level with third-placed Newcastle with one point separating them from Manchester City in second place and nine points away from table-toppers Arsenal.
Bournemouth remain 15th with two points separating them from the relegation zone.
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Man Utd vs Bournemouth stats
Manchester United dominated 59 per cent of possession against Bournemouth.
United registered a total of 18 shots, six of which were on target.
The Cherries, on the other hand, produced seven shots, four of which were on target.
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FT: Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Manchester United picked up a comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
United opened the scoring after only 23 minutes when Christian Eriksen delivered a free kick from the left and found an unmarked Casemiro who tapped the ball past Mark Travers.
The Red Devils doubled their lead on 49 minutes when Luke Shaw’s put together a stunning solo effort and passed to Bruno Fernandes, who then switched to Alejandro Garnacho to his right.
Garnacho delivered a beautiful low cross and found Shaw who beat Travers from close distance.
United sealed the three points when Shaw’s wonderful cross from the left found Fernandes at the far post and the Portugal international set Marcus Rashford up in front of open goal to make it 3-0 in the 86th minute
Credit: Getty
FT: Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Peep!
That’s full-time in Manchester!!!!
90+2 Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Chance!
Bournemouth ace Anthony almost gets on the scoresheet with a beautiful shot outside the area that De Gea saves with a lunge to his left
90 Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Three more minutes of added time to go.
Bournemouth are out of ideas…
88 Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Substitution
Another warm ovation takes place at Old Trafford as Martinez comes on for Lindelof to play his first Man Utd game after winning the World Cup with Argentina
86 Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Man Utd have sealed the three points, and what a way to do it!
Shaw delivers a stunning cross from the left and finds Fernandes at the far post.
A wonderfully-timed run by the playmaker who sets Rashford up in front of open goal and the striker hits the target
Credit: Getty
86 Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth
Goal!
United seal this with Rashford!!!

85 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Chance!
Another big opportunity for Man Utd as Rashford set Fernandes up from the right but the playmaker’s shot is denied by Travers
84 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Substitution
Another late change by Bournemouth manager O’Neil as Rothwell replaces Lerma
83 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Chance!
Bournemouth get on the counter-attack and Anthony finds himself in front of De Gea but his effort just misses Man Utd’s bottom left corner
82 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Chance!
Man Utd come close to a third again as a cross comes in from the right and Garnacho shoots from the far post but Travers palms it away
81 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Chance
Man Utd sub Dalot gets the ball on the right and tries a shot that Travers palms over his crossbrar
78 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
What a chance!
Man Utd come close to a third as Garnacho tries a beautiful curling shot from the left and rattles Travers’ right-hand post
77 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Chance
Man Utd star Fernandes tries to chip the ball over Travers from the edge of the area but sends it over the crossbar
76 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Substitution
Bournemouth manager O’Neil makes a double switch as Dembele and Moore replace Christe and Billing respectively
75 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Yellow card
Another booking for Bournemouth after Stacey takes Garnacho down with a brutal tackle in midfield
73 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Bournemouth ace Christie has been the most active player for the visitors.
But this has still been a comfortable evening for Lindelof and Maguire
71 Man Utd 2-0 Bournemouth
Chance
Man Utd star Rashford tries a shot from the right but misses Travers’ bottom right corner
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