Macclesfield pull off FA Cup’s greatest shock knocking out holders Crystal Palace

Non-league Macclesfield produced one of the FA Cup’s most startling upsets when they beat holders Crystal Palace 2–1 in a third‑round thriller, knocking Oliver Glasner’s team out of the competition and sending the Moss Rose crowd into raptures. Captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts struck in each half as the home side – coached by Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John – stunned Premier League side Palace, a team 117 places above them in England’s football pyramid.

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Arsenal frustrated by Liverpool but go six points clear

Arsenal missed a chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Liverpool. The Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes, but it was Liverpool who had the best chance when Conor Bradley seized on a mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba and sent a chipped effort against the crossbar. Arsenal fired a number of crosses into the box but there was nobody on hand to apply a finishing touch.

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Fernández strikes late as Chelsea dent City’s title hopes

Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea ended a tumultuous week by claiming a worthy Premier League point at title-chasing Manchester City. The win looked to be heading to City following Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike but Argentine Fernandez poked in at the third attempt to rescue a draw. Consecutive draws mean City have now fallen six points behind league leaders Arsenal.

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Rice bags double as Arsenal fightback to beat Bournemouth

Declan Rice scored twice as Premier League leaders Arsenal came from behind to beat Bournemouth. Gunners centre-back Gabriel played a blind pass across his box to gift Evanilson the opening goal for the Cherries but he made up for that with the equaliser. Rice scored a second half brace but Arsenal had a nervy finish after Eli Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth renewed hope with a fine strike from outside the area.

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Gray gives Tottenham narrow win at Crystal Palace

Teenager Archie Gray’s first senior goal ensured Tottenham bounced back from consecutive Premier League defeats with a narrow victory over Crystal Palace, as Thomas Frank’s side ended the year on a positive note at Selhurst Park. The 19-year-old Gray punished Palace’s failure to deal with a corner from close range three minutes before half-time, after Randal Kolo Muani and then Richarlison were able to win aerial duels following Pedro Porro’s delivery to the back post.

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