Matchday LIVE: Lukaku helps Chelsea to victory as Arsenal, Man City and Spurs win on Boxing Day

<p>Tuchel’s side hold on to seal three vital points. Having wobbled of late, the Blues will be delighted to have dug deep and come from behind to edge a keenly-fought contest. Villa more than held their own and will take plenty of positives despite coming unstuck. Chelsea remain six points adrift of table-topping Manchester City.</p>

📒 FT: Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea

<p>Here is how Lukaku nodded Chelsea in front within minutes of joining the action...</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just 10 minutes after coming on, Lukaku has his first Premier League goal since September 🔥<br><br>His movement is brilliant, nipping in front of Mings and glancing a header past Martinez! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVFC</a> 1-2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>📺 Watch live on Sky Sports PL<br>📲 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> blog 👉 <a href="https://t.co/SdcdnD8pem">https://t.co/SdcdnD8pem</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItoUfqscUN">pic.twitter.com/ItoUfqscUN</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1475177013430398983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lukaku heads Chelsea into the lead! <br><br>📺: NBC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> <a href="https://t.co/lxksobXzwQ">pic.twitter.com/lxksobXzwQ</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1475176226176315394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🎥 WATCH: Lukaku makes immediate impact

<p>Here is how Jorginho levelled matters from the penalty spot, following a rash challenge by Cash on Hudson-Odoi...</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣 "Cash only sees the ball. He doesn't appreciate Hudson-Odoi is running in behind him"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVFC</a> give away a penalty and Jorginho slots it past Martinez as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> level the scoring at Villa Park 💯<br><br>📺 Watch live on Sky Sports PL<br>📲 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> blog 👉 <a href="https://t.co/SdcdnD8pem">https://t.co/SdcdnD8pem</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqPCRJka12">pic.twitter.com/bqPCRJka12</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1475166891702423560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea win a penalty kick and who else but Jorginho to take it and score. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> <a href="https://t.co/RKL5DPwTNy">pic.twitter.com/RKL5DPwTNy</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1475166212569108493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🎥 WATCH: Jorginho holds his nerve

<p>Here is how Villa went in front, with James putting through his own net...</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣 "Aston Villa get a bit of luck..."<br><br>Targett whips a pacey ball into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> box. James is near post, no Villa man around him, but it skims off his head and over Mendy! 😮<br><br>📺 Watch live on Sky Sports PL<br>📲 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> blog 👉 <a href="https://t.co/SdcdnD8pem">https://t.co/SdcdnD8pem</a> <a href="https://t.co/EZot7nPN3h">pic.twitter.com/EZot7nPN3h</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1475165071764504578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aston Villa take the lead thanks to a Reece James own goal. <br><br>📺: NBC<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> <a href="https://t.co/qbysSxhMbp">pic.twitter.com/qbysSxhMbp</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1475165005440077824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🎥 WATCH: James' unfortunate own goal

<p>Man City 6-3 Leicester</p><p>Norwich 0-5 Arsenal</p><p>Tottenham 3-0 Crystal Palace</p><p>West Ham 2-3 Southampton</p>

📒 FT: Premier League scores

<p>With the lunchtime kick-offs being scrubbed from the calendar, Sunday’s yuletide offerings begin at 3pm.</p><p>Manchester City will be looking to build on their standing as Christmas No.1s, Arsenal can cement a spot inside the Champions League places and Chelsea will be searching for a spark after taking only one win from their last four Premier League outings.</p><p>Spurs can become upwardly mobile, West Ham don’t want to be cast adrift of the top four and Brighton or Brentford could end the day inside the top half.</p><p>Today’s order of play is as follows:</p><p><strong>1500: Man City vs Leicester</strong></p><p><strong>1500: Norwich vs Arsenal</strong></p><p><strong>1500: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace</strong></p><p><strong>1500: West Ham vs Southampton</strong></p><p><strong>1730: Aston Villa vs Chelsea</strong></p><p><strong>2000: Brighton vs Brentford</strong></p><p><em>(All times GMT)</em></p>

📓 Today’s order of play

<p>Thomas Tuchel says he felt it was worth the risk of playing Romelu Lukaku for 45 minutes in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa.</p><p>The Belgian striker was a half-time substitution in Sunday's game and scored just 11 minutes into the second period.</p><p>The striker is working his way back to full fitness but the Chelsea boss feels he made the right call in playing him for longer than was recommended.</p><p>"There is no doubt he is super important," he told reporters. "Every player is but Romelu will be a key player. He was unlucky to get injured, then struggled to come back in the schedule, then Covid. </p><p>"Forty-five minutes was more than the fitness department recommended but we though we could take the risk. </p><p>"He does not need me to play a game like this, he doesn't need a speech. He just needs to get fit and this isn't easy when you have an injury and a body like Rom. </p><p>"If you look in detail, you see we are struggling and taking some huge risks but today we forced Callum to play 90 minutes, that's the way it is."</p>

👌 Tuchel hails Lukaku after risking Chelsea striker

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9⃣ from the spot this season! 🥶<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a> <a href="https://t.co/PiDbuF2JCU">pic.twitter.com/PiDbuF2JCU</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475196616042852353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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😀 Jorginho ice cold on penalties

<p>Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel was satisfied with his side's response after going 1-0 down to Aston Villa on Sunday.</p><p>An own goal from Reece James put the visitors in danger less than 30 minutes into the game but they pulled level with a Jorginho penalty shortly afterwards.</p><p>Romelu Lukaku gave Tuchel's team the lead in the second-half before Jorginho struck again in the dying moments to make it four games unbeaten for Chelsea.</p><p>"The boys are super tired, their effort was huge. We had a rough start, I had the feeling we tried to get away with skilful play," the coach said. </p><p>"We go behind with an own goal, very unlucky, but the reaction was good."</p>

🗣️ Chelsea response delights Tuchel

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea fans to Romelu Lukaku right now 🤗 <a href="https://t.co/avBtLMcM3Q">pic.twitter.com/avBtLMcM3Q</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1475186347476463622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💪 Reasons to be cheerful

<p>Romelu Lukaku has been stuck on the sidelines of late, after suffering an untimely injury, but was back to his unplayable best in Chelsea’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa – and he only played 45 minutes!</p><p>The Belgian striker has told <em>Sky Sports</em>: “I needed a performance like this today. It’s been difficult getting the end of games. I kept working hard. I’m happy with my performance and have to push on.</p><p>“I try to be less static and on the move all the time. It was a brilliant cross.</p><p>“My preferred action is running into space, using my speed and my power.</p><p>“We are the hunters now. The last results were not the best and now we have to chase. We have to treat every game like a final. Today we won and now we have to push on.”</p>

🌟 Back with a bang

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our trip to <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arsenal</a> on Tuesday 28th December has been postponed, with Bruno Lage having an insufficient number of players available to fulfil the fixture.<br><br>🆚⏸️</p>— Wolves (@Wolves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wolves/status/1475186177854648320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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❌ Another game off

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7 - Aston Villa have lost seven Premier League games in which they scored first in 2021, the joint-most of any side in a single calendar year in the competition, along with Everton in 1999 and Wigan in 2006. Familiar. <a href="https://t.co/iQn6D0iqri">pic.twitter.com/iQn6D0iqri</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475186644475121666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🟣 Bad habit

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good evening from the Amex! 👋🏟️ <a href="https://t.co/buBBGUEHmB">pic.twitter.com/buBBGUEHmB</a></p>— Brighton &amp; Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1475164700811964422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🏟 Up next...

<p>Jorginho makes no mistake with his second spot-kick of the game. Martinez goes the right way on this occasion, but the ball is placed right into the corner. Game over.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT'LL DO IT! <br><br>🟣 1-3 💛 [90+3’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a> <a href="https://t.co/hb8JJOuJzA">pic.twitter.com/hb8JJOuJzA</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475184878572511246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea

<p>Lukaku is too strong and too quick for the Villa defence. He shrugs off Targett and commits Konsa. The Villa defender dives in and concedes another penalty.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Penalty to Chels after a storming run from Rom ends in a foul!<br><br>🟣 1-2 💛 [90+2’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475184594592976899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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❌ Penalty to Chelsea

<p>Chelsea so close to wrapping up the win. Hudson-Odoi finds space inside the box and finds himself one-on-one with Martinez. The Villa keeper stands tall and produces a vital stop to keep his team in the game.</p>

🧤 Great save

<p>Into the last 10 minutes we go. Chelsea still have their noses in front, but are being pegged back by the hosts. Villa sense that they could snatch a leveller, but the visitors are doing just about enough to defend their narrow lead.</p>

⏱ Final push

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here's our starting XI to face Brentford in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PremierLeague</a>. 📝<br><br>📲 <a href="https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv">https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv</a> ✘ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHAFC</a> 🔵⚪️ <a href="https://t.co/1IbViwa7cD">pic.twitter.com/1IbViwa7cD</a></p>— Brighton &amp; Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1475179637097615376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🚨<br><br>➡ Thompson, Norgaard, and Toney start<br><br>⬅ Rico Henry misses out with a minor hamstring issue<br>⬅ Vitaly Janelt has tested positive for Covid-19<br><br>Teams presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJeansNet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJeansNet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrentfordFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrentfordFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHABRE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHABRE</a> <a href="https://t.co/2UuljpjZmV">pic.twitter.com/2UuljpjZmV</a></p>— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1475179651173605385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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📒 TEAM NEWS: Brighton vs Brentford

<p>Chelsea could, and should have been two goals clear. Mount does all of the hard work by working his way around Martinez, but then slides the ball into the side netting with an open goal gaping. He also had yellow shirts in support if he didn't fancy the angle on his left foot. Big miss.</p>

😲 What a miss!

<p>Manchester City got the job done against Leicester, but only after surviving a scare.</p><p>The Blues raced into a four-goal lead, but were pegged back to 4-3 at one stage before grabbing another couple themselves.</p><p>Pep Guardiola told <em>BBC Sport</em> afterwards: “It was a Boxing Day game. It was a nice game to watch and three more points. We keep going. The quality of players we have produced this amount of actions to score goals. No manager and tactics can solve it without the quality.</p><p>“It was weird. Even at 4-0 in the first half, every time they had the ball they arrived in the final third delivering good passes. They moved a lot of players. They have a lot of quality. They are a master of counter-attacks.</p><p>“They changed in the second half. They way they played they didn’t play to press high. They were close. The game was so dangerous. We didn’t play bad in the second half. Ruben Dias was not aggressive because he was one yellow card away from being suspended so he was more cautious. The game was not over. With set-pieces we could win the game.”</p>

🔵 ‘It was weird’

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9 - Romelu Lukaku has scored nine goals in 10 Premier League appearances against Aston Villa; he hasn't scored more against any other opponent in the big-five European leagues in his career. Villain. <a href="https://t.co/1041ej5fAC">pic.twitter.com/1041ej5fAC</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475176337233039362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👍 Favoured foe

<p>What an impact! Inside 11 minutes of being introduced, Lukaku finds the target. Hudson-Odoi swings over a cross, which Chelsea's Belgian striker glances into the bottom corner.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YES ROMMMM! 😁<br><br>🟣 1-2 💛 [56’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a> <a href="https://t.co/KJ7HmHP55Z">pic.twitter.com/KJ7HmHP55Z</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475175677792038915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're forced into our second change as Thiago is withdrawn.<br><br>⬅️ Thiago<br>➡️ Andreas<br><br>🟣 1-1 💛 [52’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475174649822695424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🤒 Silva forced off through injury

<p>Chelsea have tinkered with their plans when bringing on Lukaku. Pulisic, who was playing centrally as a makeshift striker, is now operating at right wing-back. The American is seeing his versatility put to good use!</p>

🧠 Tactical tweak

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We've made a change at the start of the second! 🔄<br><br>⬅️ Trev<br>➡️ Rom<br><br>🟣 1-1 💛 [46’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475172913900933120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔁 Lukaku on at the interval

<p>We are up and running again at Villa Park. Nothing to separate the two sides so far. Villa were good value for their lead, despite getting a large slice of luck, but Chelsea will feel that a much-needed victory could be theirs if another gear can be found.</p>

🟣🔵 Under way again

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CONFIRMED: Ainsley Maitland-Niles will leave Arsenal to join Jose Mourinho's Roma on loan 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/9fXRg95xQv">pic.twitter.com/9fXRg95xQv</a></p>— GOAL News (@GoalNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoalNews/status/1475161668976058376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⏩ Transfer news

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9 - Jorginho has scored nine penalties in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> in 2021, the joint-most by a player in a single calendar year in the competition's history, alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/mattletiss7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mattletiss7</a> in 1994 and Steven Gerrard in 2014. Johnny.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475168189898280968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👍 Mr Reliable

<p>All square at the interval. Villa got a slice of luck when James flicked a Targett cross past his own goalkeeper, but the hosts then proceeded to shoot themselves in the foot. Cash’s reckless challenge inside the box allowed Jorginho to stroke home from the spot. Still all to play for in the second half.</p>

HT: Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">11 - Since Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge of Chelsea in January, the Blues have scored more penalties in the Premier League than any other side (11), with Jorginho netting nine of these himself - more than any other club besides Chelsea in this period. Source. <a href="https://t.co/cHForQcy7o">pic.twitter.com/cHForQcy7o</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475166498922672130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔵 Spot on

<p>Martinez tries to play mind games with Jorginho, but the Chelsea man holds his nerve and sends the Villa goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot. All square again.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICE COLD! 🥶<br><br>🟣 1-1 💛 [34’] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a> <a href="https://t.co/QQUo7Xmigt">pic.twitter.com/QQUo7Xmigt</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475165512527400962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p>

⚽ GOAL: Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea

<p>Great reaction from Chelsea, with Hudson-Odoi caught from behind by Cash after latching onto a ball fed into the box. Opportunity for the Blues to level.</p>

<p>The hosts take the lead! Not one Reece James will want to see again, as he flicks a Targett cross into his own net. Mendy will feel he could have done better.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOALLLLLLLLLLLL GET INNNNNNN <a href="https://t.co/gBNQ60VDAa">pic.twitter.com/gBNQ60VDAa</a></p>— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1475164135579074567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea

<p>Mount swings over a cross from the Chelsea left that has too much on it but has Martinez worried for a minute. The ball loops over the Villa goalkeeper and clips the top of the crossbar on its way over.</p>

🔵 Off the bar

<p>Chelsea are being seriously stretched by Villa's attacking, which has Watkins and Ings being used together. Long balls over the top after catching the Blues out, forcing them into some desperate defending.</p>

🟣 Lively start

<p>Arsenal hit five against struggling Norwich, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not required once again.</p><p>Mikel Arteta has told <em>BBC Sport</em> of that ongoing situation: “He wasn't selected for today's match. We'll take it game by game. That was the decision.”</p><p>On the game itself, with the Gunners firing on all cylinders at the moment, a Spanish tactician said: “It's a very satisfying result because in this festive period we have to keep performances to a high level.</p><p>“We looked really sharp and committed. It's a big win for us. I am really pleased. The amount of chance we create is pleasing.</p><p>“We go to every ground to try and impose our game. Today was a really good example. The unity we have around the club and with our fans is very pleasing.”</p>

🔴 No Auba again

<p>No early goals at Aston Villa, with the hosts looking lively enough against Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel's side are feeling their way into the game, with the Villans doing their best to swarm all over the visitors.</p>

❌ No breakthrough

<p>Spurs ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over 10-man Crystal Palace, but Antonio Conte is demanding even more from his side heading forward.</p><p>The Italian has told <em>BBC Sport</em>: “It was three important points. We started a bit slow but then we got chances to score and we scored the first and second goals and to play against 10 men was easier for us.</p><p>“There is a lot of space for improvement. To keep the clean sheet is always important but at the same time to score three goals was positive for our strikers. There were a lot of positive things after this game but in two days everything can change.</p><p>“I tried to give a rest to Harry [Kane] and Son [Heung-min], especially Harry because he plays every game but he is such an important player it is difficult to think about keeping him on the bench."</p><p>He added on Kane, who was on target in the Premier League again: “I always say we are talking about a top-class striker and a player that for us is very important. Today I had the possibility to give him a bit of rest and for him to play only 60 minutes for us was important. Kane is a player it is very difficult to decide to put in a rotation.”</p>

⚪ Room for improvement

<p>Aston Villa and Chelsea will be looking to keep the goal glut going on Boxing Day. No Steven Gerrard on the bench for the hosts, with Gary McAllister overseeing events this evening. The visitors desperately need a win to get their title bid back on track.</p>

⚽ Here we go

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 - Man City's 6-3 win over Leicester saw eight different scorers; only Spurs 4-5 Arsenal in November 2004 has seen more different scorers in a single game (excluding own goals) in <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> history (9). Spread. <a href="https://t.co/D1sEk5iMaR">pic.twitter.com/D1sEk5iMaR</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475152301102936068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔵🟦 Mixing it up

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 - Arsenal's 5-0 win at Norwich was their joint-heaviest margin of victory in an away <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> match, level with 6-1 victories at Middlesbrough in April 1999 and Everton in August 2009. Rampage. <a href="https://t.co/fYLn1UQjKy">pic.twitter.com/fYLn1UQjKy</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475150756709908481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔴 Gunners fire

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 - Emile Smith Rowe is the second Arsenal player to score in three consecutive substitute appearances in the Premier League, after Tomas Rosicky in September 2009. Super.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475148738788265991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🦸‍♂️ Super sub

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tuchel spoke about Pulisic as a no9 after the win over Brentford: "Is that his very best position where he feels most comfortable? Maybe not. But he’s very positive about it and he’s fighting for his confidence." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a></p>— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1475145189945753609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔵 USMNT star up top

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taking a look around! 🔎<br><br>What are your predictions for today? 🤨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a> <a href="https://t.co/31Jz0x55X0">pic.twitter.com/31Jz0x55X0</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475137279488409601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🏟 Next up...

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9 - Man City v Leicester is the first ever <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> game on Boxing Day to see as many as nine goals, and the highest scoring match in the top-flight overall on Boxing Day since Oldham 3-6 Man Utd in 1991. Feast.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475146456059285506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔵 History made

<p>Five for Arsenal as Smith Rowe steps off the bench to put the finishing touches to a crushing win.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EMILE nets the fifth goal of the afternoon!! 😍<br><br>That's a great team goal from the boys 💪<br><br>🟡 0-5 🔵 (91)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/VvB7LlVVFC">pic.twitter.com/VvB7LlVVFC</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475146970457067524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Norwich 0-5 Arsenal

<p>Guardiola's side are out of sight again. They gave Leicester a glimmer of hope, but have shut that down again. Sterling has his second of the afternoon from a corner.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GET IN!!!<br><br>🔵 6-3 🦊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/3uwwbINJ7g">pic.twitter.com/3uwwbINJ7g</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475145765811105792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 6-3 Leicester

<p>Another fixture to forget for Norwich, as they continue to do themselves few favours. Kabak concedes a penalty, which is converted by Lacazette.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LACA SCORES FROM THE SPOT 😍<br><br>COME ON LADS 💪<br><br>🟡 0-4 🔵 (84)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/OttLKiFtyn">pic.twitter.com/OttLKiFtyn</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475145078427508739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Norwich 0-4 Arsenal

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bukayo Saka hit the classic Thierry Henry knee slide 😎 <a href="https://t.co/Bz7dCq34Pn">pic.twitter.com/Bz7dCq34Pn</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1475133982635352071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👌 Nice

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 - Kelechi Iheanacho is the third player to both score and assist in a single <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> game against Man City having previously appeared for them in the competition, after Paul Dickov for Leicester in 2003 and James Milner for Liverpool in 2016. Haunt. <a href="https://t.co/LECWmW1K90">pic.twitter.com/LECWmW1K90</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475141810993479688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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❔ All in vain?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">10 + 10 - James Ward-Prowse (10 penalties, 11 direct free-kicks) is only the fourth player to score 10 or more <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> goals via both penalties and direct free-kicks, after Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ian Harte. Specialist. <a href="https://t.co/AKgGk5jL2V">pic.twitter.com/AKgGk5jL2V</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475140353069961220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👏 Decent company

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is your final Aston Villa starting XI of 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭. 💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLCHE</a> <a href="https://t.co/dH9CJp8lp5">pic.twitter.com/dH9CJp8lp5</a></p>— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1475141895332507659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your festive Chels! 🎄<br><br>@ParimatchGlobal | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvlChe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvlChe</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Kop9V3pgR">pic.twitter.com/6Kop9V3pgR</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1475142132042276872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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📒 TEAM NEWS: Aston Villa vs Chelsea

<p>It has been coming against 10 men, and Spurs have a third. Son has got in on the act, with Conte's side on the march!</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SONNYYYYYY <a href="https://t.co/IU8spvzpFX">pic.twitter.com/IU8spvzpFX</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1475142309884973057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Tottenham 3-0 Palace

<p>Saints lead for a third time on the day! Bednarek has edged them in front once more. Can they hold on? </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT IS GOING ON?! 🤯 [2-3] <a href="https://t.co/fh8am3uGpu">pic.twitter.com/fh8am3uGpu</a></p>— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1475141641832996875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: West Ham 2-3 Southampton

<p>Raining goals at the Etihad, with the hosts two clear once more. Laporte gives them a bit of breathing space.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!!<br><br>🔵 5-3 🦊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/5hjGzmcHKr">pic.twitter.com/5hjGzmcHKr</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475141228660465664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 5-3 Leicester

<p>Gunners move out of sight at Carrow Road, with Saka grabbing his second of the game.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">💥 He's done it AGAIN!<br><br>🌶 Saka scores his second of the afternoon!!<br><br>YES BOYS 😍<br><br>🟡 0-3 🔵 (67)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/4iF5v9ijjI">pic.twitter.com/4iF5v9ijjI</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475140857154215948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Norwich 0-3 Arsenal

<p>All square again at the London Stadium, with Benrahma restoring parity. All to play for.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">BENRAHMA!! 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUSOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHUSOU</a> <a href="https://t.co/qAaffcIUF0">pic.twitter.com/qAaffcIUF0</a></p>— West Ham United (@WestHam) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1475140232290963461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: West Ham 2-2 Southampton

<p>What is going on! Leicester have a third and are now right back in the game. Their latest effort has come from Iheanacho, and they are daring to dream once more.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HELLO?!?! <br><br>IHEANACHO HAS CLOSED THE GAP TO ONE!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MciLei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MciLei</a> <a href="https://t.co/98pyBZaXQM">pic.twitter.com/98pyBZaXQM</a></p>— Leicester City (@LCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1475140511044456455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 4-3 Leicester

<p>Against the run of play, but the Saints lead again. Ward-Prowse makes no mistake from the spot following a lengthy delay for a penalty call.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO MISTAKE! 💥 [1-2] <a href="https://t.co/WpSGIhqJTB">pic.twitter.com/WpSGIhqJTB</a></p>— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1475139226194825226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: West Ham 1-2 Southampton

<p>Another for the Foxes. Lookman has a second for the visitors, but did they give themselves too much to do. Surely City won't throw a four-goal lead away!</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another break, Lookman scores!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MciLei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MciLei</a> <a href="https://t.co/8qwCc6t697">pic.twitter.com/8qwCc6t697</a></p>— Leicester City (@LCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1475138677051478019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 4-2 Leicester

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">23 - Since David Moyes' first game back in charge of West Ham in January 2020, no club has scored more <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> goals from corner situations than the Hammers (23, level with Liverpool). Angles. <a href="https://t.co/y75tk6Cdc7">pic.twitter.com/y75tk6Cdc7</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475138128960798722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🥅 Set-piece specialists

<p>Man City are out of sight but Leicester have one back. They have also scored the goal of the game so far, with Maddison producing a stunning strike.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maddison scores for the Foxes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MciLei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MciLei</a> <a href="https://t.co/cP9qy2i8wg">pic.twitter.com/cP9qy2i8wg</a></p>— Leicester City (@LCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1475137925063090183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 4-1 Leicester

<p>The Hammers made changes at half-time and are level straight away. Antonio was among those introduced at the interval and he has glanced home from close range. VAR got involved, with more toenails checked, but the goal stands.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IMMEDIATE IMPACT!!! 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUSOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHUSOU</a> <a href="https://t.co/09ejD96NTG">pic.twitter.com/09ejD96NTG</a></p>— West Ham United (@WestHam) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1475136227443724291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: West Ham 1-1 Southampton

<p>Games across the Premier League are getting underway once more. There have been plenty of goals so far, but will there be more to come?</p>

⚽ Up and running again

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 - Wilfried Zaha has been sent off five times in all competitions for Crystal Palace, at least three more than any other player for the club since his debut in 2010, while he's the first player to receive a Premier League red card on Boxing Day for the Eagles. Mist. <a href="https://t.co/JiLlevvBr6">pic.twitter.com/JiLlevvBr6</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475130156196978689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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😡 Red mist

<p>Man City 4-0 Leicester</p><p>Norwich 0-2 Arsenal</p><p>Tottenham 2-0 Crystal Palace</p><p>West Ham 0-1 Southampton</p>

📒 HT: Premier League scores

<p>Breathing space for Arsenal as Tierney doubles their lead. He isn't picked up and crashes home with his left foot.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL GOAL FROM KIERAN TIERNEY! 😍<br><br>COME ON ARSENAL 🤛<br><br>🟡 0-2 🔵 (44)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/dnaKMnM71e">pic.twitter.com/dnaKMnM71e</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475130480831909890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Norwich 0-2 Arsenal

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9 - With his opener against Crystal Palace, no player has now scored more <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> goals on Boxing Day than Harry Kane (9, level with Robbie Fowler). Punch. <a href="https://t.co/iNlg21ypDB">pic.twitter.com/iNlg21ypDB</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475128398330699779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🎅 Merry Christmas

<p>Palace's afternoon is going from bad to worse, with talismanic forward Zaha being sent for an early bath after collecting a second yellow card. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">37: Wilfried Zaha has been sent off for a second bookable offence.<br><br>⚪️ 2-0 🦅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOTCRY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOTCRY</a></p>— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1475128824308322312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🟥 RED CARD: Zaha sent off

<p>Spurs with a quickfire double. Great goal from Lucas Moura, who started and finished a fine move. Palace rocked in a London derby.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">LUCASSSSSSSSS <a href="https://t.co/2KUyAcozth">pic.twitter.com/2KUyAcozth</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1475127738596003848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Tottenham 2-0 Palace

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2 - Man City are the third side to score two penalties in the opening 25 minutes of a Premier League match, after West Ham v Man Utd in 2011 and Liverpool v Sheff Utd in 2007, with the Citizens the first of those three to do so with two different scorers. Spotted.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475127586065981446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🥅 Spot on

<p>Kane has got a taste for Premier League goals again. The Spurs strike powers an effort past Butland to put Conte's side in front on home soil.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HARRRRYYYYYY <a href="https://t.co/9YtWkZgaLH">pic.twitter.com/9YtWkZgaLH</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1475127145483624450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Tottenham 1-0 Palace

🤔 Could be anything!

<p>A fourth for City, and their second penalty of the afternoon. Mahrez took the first, but Sterling steps up this time and picks out the same spot. Foxes falling apart.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S FOUR!!!<br><br>🔵 4-0 🦊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/j3BeqeGDkx">pic.twitter.com/j3BeqeGDkx</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475125860923584518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 4-0 Leicester

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">10 – Bukayo Saka (20 years, 112 days) is the second-youngest Arsenal player to reach 10 Premier League goals for the club, after Nicolas Anelka (19 years, 225 days). Gooner. <a href="https://t.co/ADKd8m2pmP">https://t.co/ADKd8m2pmP</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475124430082912264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👶 Saka starring

<p>Game over at the Etihad. Gundogan puts the finishing touches to a flowing move that puts City in complete control against Leicester - who had been showing signs of life.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S THREE!!!<br><br>🔵 3-0 🦊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/jV9bJN7BDu">pic.twitter.com/jV9bJN7BDu</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475124739303780355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 3-0 Leicester

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">29% - Southampton have scored a competition-high 29% of their goals from outside the box in the Premier League this season, with Mohamed Elyounoussi's opener being their fifth in 2021-22. Speculative. <a href="https://t.co/zrrLrH4FkW">pic.twitter.com/zrrLrH4FkW</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475123317631823885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🦵 Long range specialists

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">20 - Aged 20 years &amp; 112 days, Bukayo Saka is the third-youngest player to score on Boxing Day in consecutive <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> seasons, after Michael Owen (19y 12d) and Florent Sinama-Pongolle (20y 67d). Flying. <a href="https://t.co/uvpmb27OGC">pic.twitter.com/uvpmb27OGC</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475122655829311489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🎄 Useful habit

<p>Nightmare start for Leicester as they fall two goals down inside 14 minutes. Mahrez makes no mistake from the penalty spot to double Manchester City's lead.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YESSS RIYAD!!!<br><br>🔵 2-0 🦊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/sqWQqRKVHj">pic.twitter.com/sqWQqRKVHj</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475123001309941761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 2-0 Leicester

<p>VAR check at the Etihad Stadium, with a penalty awarded for a tug inside the box from Tielemans at a corner. Looked a bit harsh, but he did take a risk by grabbing at his man.</p>

😧 PENALTY: Man City awarded spot-kick

<p>No messing around at the London Stadium either, with Elyounoussi putting the Saints in front.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">MOIIIIIIIII! [0-1] <a href="https://t.co/cutggCAWCZ">pic.twitter.com/cutggCAWCZ</a></p>— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1475121628006731776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: West Ham 0-1 Southampton

<p>There has also been an opener at Carrow Road, with Saka firing the visitors in front. Perfect start for the Gunners.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎁 A gift from SAKA!!<br><br>💪 Come on, Arsenal!<br><br>🟡 0-1 🔵 (7)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/j9LgMnZ31T">pic.twitter.com/j9LgMnZ31T</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475121112019263489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Norwich 0-1 Arsenal

<p>It has not taken long for the leaders to make a breakthrough, with De Bruyne firing them in front against Leicester.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A START!!!<br><br>🔵 1-0 🦊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/eYzujYnoXI">pic.twitter.com/eYzujYnoXI</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475120627132637189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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⚽ GOAL: Man City 1-0 Leicester

<p>Four games under way in the Premier League, with plenty of big names in action. Here's hoping for an action-packed afternoon!</p>

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Limbering up for Leicester! 🔜<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/3LyHf6MT0P">pic.twitter.com/3LyHf6MT0P</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475113964115836935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🔵 Christmas Blues

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">💪 Warm-ups are underway in N17! <br><br>🔋 <a href="https://twitter.com/Vivo_Power?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vivo_Power</a> <a href="https://t.co/xDinldKzQd">pic.twitter.com/xDinldKzQd</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1475113804505792516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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🏃‍♂️ Raring to go

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good afternoon from Carrow Road 👋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/pb39dyXyjq">pic.twitter.com/pb39dyXyjq</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475108252153118724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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☁ Overcast in Norfolk

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">18 - Southampton's 19-year-old full-back Valentino Livramento is the first teenager to start each of his club's first 18 Premier League matches in a season since <a href="https://twitter.com/MicahRichards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MicahRichards</a> did so in 2006-07 for Manchester City, aged 18. Kicks. <a href="https://t.co/6IzUybBddL">pic.twitter.com/6IzUybBddL</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475109499438571523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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👶 Young gun

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 - As a player, Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was on the winning side in all eight of his Premier League games played on Boxing Day, the best 100% win rate on the day by a player in the competition’s history. Festive. <a href="https://t.co/WT1bWbCRI6">pic.twitter.com/WT1bWbCRI6</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1475107483958099974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💯 Faultless

<p>There have also been Covid concerns at Aston Villa, with it confirmed on Christmas Day that manager Steven Gerrard will not be the dugout against Chelsea later on after positing a positive test.</p>

❌ No Stevie G later on

<p>Arsenal's pre-match preparations have been hit by coronavirus problems, with the Gunners short on options at right-back.</p><p>They have said: "Cedric, Tomiyasu and Maitland-Niles all miss out on today's squad after testing positive with Covid."</p>

🤒 Why Arsenal are short at right-back

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's how we're lining up today...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUSOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHUSOU</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/betway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@betway</a> <a href="https://t.co/QMIbcAx4kN">pic.twitter.com/QMIbcAx4kN</a></p>— West Ham United (@WestHam) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1475104116783280133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Forster in goal<br>🇬🇭 Salisu at the back<br>🇦🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/armandobroja9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@armandobroja9</a> in attack<br><br>Your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaintsFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaintsFC</a> side to take on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHUFC</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nFBsI19MDx">pic.twitter.com/nFBsI19MDx</a></p>— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1475104176548032516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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📒 TEAM NEWS: West Ham vs Southampton

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🥊 Your Boxing Day starting XI! <a href="https://t.co/vqQYbsoPLQ">pic.twitter.com/vqQYbsoPLQ</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1475104133866741766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p>

📒 TEAM NEWS: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨<br><br>◾️Angus Gunn's first Premier League start for Norwich<br>◾️Sargent and Dowell also come into the starting XI<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/SODMm0SPaY">pic.twitter.com/SODMm0SPaY</a></p>— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwichCityFC/status/1475104137939496962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 TEAM NEWS! <br> <br>🇧🇷 Martinelli starts<br>🇳🇴 Odegaard in midfield<br>🇫🇷 Lacazette up front<br><br>Let’s do this, Gunners 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NORARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NORARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/UCdhUzcpKw">pic.twitter.com/UCdhUzcpKw</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1475104114895958033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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📒 TEAM NEWS: Norwich vs Arsenal

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">✨ Your Boxing Day City XI ✨<br><br>XI | Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko, Fernandinho (C), De Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo, Mahrez, Sterling⁰⁰<br>SUBS | Steffen, Carson, Ake, Jesus, Grealish, Kayky, Foden, Mbete, Palmer<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Haystechnology?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HaysTechnology</a> <a href="https://t.co/kuQC72Nogp">pic.twitter.com/kuQC72Nogp</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1475104225197756420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's a look at how we start for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MciLei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MciLei</a> 📝 <a href="https://t.co/lh6jQND8jG">pic.twitter.com/lh6jQND8jG</a></p>— Leicester City (@LCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1475104110189977609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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📒 TEAM NEWS: Man City vs Leicester

<p>Aston Villa will be in action against Chelsea today, but they will not play again until January 2 as their midweek meeting with Leeds has become the latest casualty of a Covid-19 outbreak in the Whites camp.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aston Villa can confirm our Premier League fixture with Leeds United on Tuesday, December 28 has been postponed due to Covid cases in the Leeds squad.</p>— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1475096559880654850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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❌ Another game gone

<p>Hello and welcome to <strong>GOAL </strong>Matchday Live - our rolling blog coverage of all the Boxing Day games from across the Premier League!</p><p>Three fixtures have been postponed due to Covid-19 outbreaks – with Liverpool vs Leeds, Wolves vs Watford and Burnley vs Everton needing to be rearranged – but there are still plenty of festive treats of offer.</p><p>Top-four hopefuls Arsenal, league leaders Manchester City, buoyant Tottenham and stuttering Chelsea will all be in action, with there important points up for grabs at both ends of the division.</p>