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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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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Enzo Maresca has left his job as Chelsea’s head coach. Maresca’s relationship with the club’s board has broken down and the split has led to a parting of the ways. It had seemed Chelsea would give the Italian time to turn around his side’s form but events have moved quickly during the past 24 hours. There was deep dissatisfaction with the 45-year-old’s decisions during games but the bigger issue was his conduct away from the pitch.
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Arsenal scored four second-half goals as they thumped Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium to end the year five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock with Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus all getting in on the act. Ollie Watkins scored a late consolation goal for the Villains.
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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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