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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Super sub Watkins bags brace as Villa beat Chelsea

Ollie Watkins emerged from the bench to spearhead a superb Aston Villa revival as they came from behind to confirm their Premier League title credentials at Chelsea with an 11th successive win in all competitions. Chelsea deservedly led after 37 minutes when striker Joao Pedro got a vital touch in a goalmouth scramble however Watkin’s second half introduction proved to be an inspired move from Unai Emery as the Villans continue to fly high.

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Dorgu volley powers United to victory over Newcastle

Badly depleted Manchester United clung on to climb back into the Premier League’s top five as Patrick Dorgu’s stunning volley proved enough to beat Newcastle at Old Trafford. Missing seven senior players through injury and international duty including skipper Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim’s side also lost Mason Mount at half-time. But despite Newcastle having 66% possession and Lewis Hall’s thunderous strike bouncing down off the underside of the bar, Eddie Howe’s side could not come up with a leveller as their dismal recent form continued.

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Hosts Morocco kick off Africa Cup of Nations with win over Comoros

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 hosts Morocco began their campaign to win a second continental title with a somewhat nervy win over Comoros in the tournament opener in rainy Rabat. The Atlas Lions spurned a glorious chance to take an 11th-minute lead but broke the deadlock in the second half through Brahim Diaz and an acrobatic finish from Ayoub El Kaabi.

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Liverpool cling on to win chaotic clash against nine-man Spurs

Liverpool scrambled to a 2-1 win at nine-man Tottenham, somehow surviving a chaotic finale which saw Richarlison pull one back and Cristian Romero shown a red for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate as Spurs chased a last-gasp leveller. It had looked routine for Liverpool, with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike goals putting them in control, following Xavi Simons’ first-half sending off for putting his studs into Virgil van Dijk’s calf.

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