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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Arsenal move five points clear with commanding win over Villa

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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