Alex Connor

Football Journalist

FotMob •

LaLiga: Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona were miles off their best, but they’ve battled hard to secure a nervy 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou, extending their lead at the top of LaLiga to seven points. Araujo’s 24th-minute header from Cancelo’s corner was enough to settle the contest, but Rayo pushed their title-chasing opponents the whole way. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia made four saves, while Espino lifted an effort over the bar from a presentable position. Flick’s side, who were well below their abnormally high attacking standards, managed just 1.36 xG, while Rayo accumulated 1.83 xG and created five big chances. Barcelona held on and now sit seven points clear of second-place Real Madrid, who face Atletico Madrid later on today. Following the international break, Barcelona will play back-to-back games against Atleti in LaLiga and the Champions League. Rayo stay 14th and will entertain Elche at home in their next LaLiga fixture, before a Conference League quarter-final clash with AEK Athens. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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Europa League: Real Betis 4-0 Panathinaikos

Real Betis are safely through into the quarter-finals of the Europa League thanks to a routine 4-0 victory over Panathinaikos in this round of 16 second-leg clash at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla. Goals from Ruibal and Amrabat put Betis into a narrow aggregate lead at half-time, but a scintillating second-half display from the hosts, in which Hernandez and Antony both netted, meant that Los Verdiblancos strolled into an irreversible 4-1 lead across two legs. Panathinaikos, who only mustered 0.26 xG and four shots, were completely dominated by a rampant Betis side. The Spaniards posted 62% possession, 3.00 xG and 22 shots, and they'll face Braga in the last eight of the Europa League at the start of April after the International break. On Sunday, Panathinaikos will face Asteras in their final game of the Greek top-flight season, while Betis travel to Athletic Club for an away fixture in LaLiga. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Premier League: West Ham United 1-1 Manchester City

What a result for West Ham, who defended determinedly and valiantly to record a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Man City at the London Stadium. This result means that the Hammers move up to 17th, above Nottingham Forest, and are out of the relegation zone for the first time since the start of December. Meanwhile, City have lost critical ground in the title race and, with a game in hand, have dropped nine points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. City struck first in the 31st minute through Silva’s opener, before West Ham swiftly equalised via Mavropanos’ header. The visitors threw everything at the hosts in the second half, with Haaland having an effort saved, Reijnders hitting the bar from a free kick, and Guehi smashing over from close range. Ultimately, City, who registered 2.06 xG and 24 shots, couldn’t break Nuno’s men down, and the points are shared. West Ham recorded 0.54 xG and just one shot, their joint fewest in a Premier League match Opta has on record – they also had one against Chelsea in January 2014. West Ham travel to Aston Villa for another huge Premier League clash next Sunday. Meanwhile, City will host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League knockout tie on Tuesday, before a trip to Wembley at the weekend to face Arsenal in the EFL Cup final. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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Europa League: Bologna 1-1 Roma

In a fiercely competitive encounter, which burst into life in the second half, Bologna and Roma have drawn 1-1 in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie. Bologna were the better side in the first half, and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, when Rowe’s magical run set up Bernardeschi, who planted a curled effort into the top corner. However, the visitors stayed in the game and responded in the 71st minute, through Pellegrini’s composed strike. Both teams hit the woodwork as Lucumi bundled Malen’s deflected shot off the post, before Bologna substitute Vitik thundered a powerful header against the bar. The hosts marginally recorded a higher xG, with 1.39 to Roma’s 1.36, and a draw was a fair reflection of the match, leaving the tie tantalisingly poised for the return fixture. Before next Thursday’s second leg in the Italian capital, both clubs have Serie A away fixtures on Sunday, with Bologna facing Sassuolo and Roma tackling Como. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Copa del Rey: Barcelona 3-0 Atletico Madrid

Barcelona gave it everything in this second leg, and despite convincingly beating Atletico Madrid 3-0 here at Camp Nou, they crash out of the Copa del Rey due to a devastating 4-3 aggregate loss, allowing Simeone’s side to progress to the final. The hosts controlled large portions of the match and flew into a two-goal lead at half-time courtesy of Bernal’s tap-in and Raphinha’s penalty. Barcelona continued to apply serious pressure to the visitors and netted their third goal in the 72nd minute, when Bernal prodded in from Cancelo’s teasing cross. Atleti were pinned into their own half, but defended defiantly for the last 20 minutes to protect their slender aggregate advantage and seal their place in the final. Flick’s men recorded 3.09 xG, 21 shots and 70.9% possession, while Atleti managed just 0.68 and seven shots. The home fans applauded their team’s effort and fight, but the damage was inflicted in the first leg, as Atleti will face either Athletic Club or Real Sociedad in April’s Copa del Rey final. Later this week in LaLiga, both sides are back in action on Saturday as table-toppers Barcelona travel to Athletic, while Atleti face La Real in Madrid. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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Scottish Premiership: Rangers 2-2 Celtic

This fierce and intoxicating rivalry has served up another incredible match full of drama as Celtic fight back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Rangers at Ibrox. The hosts controlled the first half and deservedly jumped into a 2-0 lead, thanks to a brace from striker Chermiti, whose first goal was an extraordinary overhead kick. Whatever Celtic boss O’Neill said to his players at the break worked a dream, and his team were transformed in the second half, with Tierney’s header halving the deficit. Then, very late on, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Sterling handled Maeda’s header from point-blank range. Substitute Hatate stepped up, and his penalty and original rebound were excellently saved by Butland. However, at the third time of asking, Hatate smashed the ball into the net to rescue a point for Celtic. The Hoops managed 2.24 xG and 17 shots, compared to Rangers’ 1.5 xG and 12 shots. This is a brilliant result for Hearts, who have a six-point cushion over second-place Rangers. The two sides will meet again for another Old Firm derby next week in the Scottish Cup, while Celtic will also play a Premiership game in midweek away at Aberdeen and could leapfrog Rangers if they win to close the gap on league leaders Hearts. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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Premier League: Leeds United 0-1 Manchester City

No Haaland, no problem! Man City move within two points of table-toppers Arsenal, courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds at Elland Road. Ultimately, the two sides were separated by Semenyo’s close-range goal at the end of the first half as Leeds missed various opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. After the restart, the visitors dug in deep, producing a determined and professional performance to bravely protect their slender advantage, limiting the Yorkshire outfit to zero shots on target in the second half. Overall, Leeds registered 1.47 xG, compared to City’s 1.77, and Farke’s frustration was capped off by a post-match red card, following a confrontation with referee Bankes. City have secured victories in four successive Premier League games, whereas Leeds are winless in three. Farke's side stay 15th, six points above the relegation zone, while Guardiola's men close in on Arsenal to ramp up the title race. Next week, Leeds have two home matches, hosting Sunderland in the Premier League on Tuesday, before entertaining Norwich City in the FA Cup on Sunday. Meanwhile, City will face a top-flight clash against Nottingham Forest in midweek and play Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday evening. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Champions League: Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Olympiacos

It’s full-time in Germany, and following a 0-0 draw this evening, Bayer Leverkusen progress to the last 16 of the Champions League, defeating Olympiacos 2-0 in their two-legged play-off tie. It was a professional performance from Leverkusen at the BayArena as they managed the occasion diligently and neutralised Olympiacos’ attacking threat. Across the 94 minutes, the Greek outfit recorded just 0.25 xG, zero big chances and one shot on target. Meanwhile, Hjulmand’s men registered 0.69 xG and came nearest to opening the scoring when Grimaldo struck the bar midway through the second half from a tricky angle. Overall, it was a comfortable night for Leverkusen, who have now gone five games at home in all competitions without conceding, their longest run of shut-outs at the BayArena since May 2015, when they posted nine clean sheets. Leverkusen are safely into the draw for the next round and will face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal. Later this week, Leverkusen host Mainz in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Olympiacos will face Panserraikos in the Greek top-flight the following day. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Metz

Paris Saint-Germain have returned to the top of Ligue 1, opening up a two-point lead over second-place Lens, courtesy of a straightforward 3-0 victory over Metz, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table. PSG netted within three minutes, when Doue calmly dinked a one-on-one effort over Fischer, after being picked out by Zaire-Emery’s searching pass. The hosts’ unassailable advantage was doubled just before half-time as Barcola nudged in a header from close range. PSG were never threatened by Metz, and they added a third goal in the 77th-minute, through Ramos’ venomous finish. Luis Enrique’s men completely dominated the game from start to finish, recording 2.13 xG, 17 shots and 67.2% possession. Meanwhile, Metz’s miserable campaign continues, with the visitors managing just 0.08 xG and no shots on target. Tavenot’s side only have 13 points after 23 matches and look destined for relegation. League leaders PSG have now posted 16 consecutive Ligue 1 victories over Metz. Next week, the Parisians entertain Monaco in the second leg of their Champions League knockout play-off tie on Wednesday, before travelling to Normandy to face Le Havre in Ligue 1 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Metz will return to league action on March 1 when they host Brest. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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FA Cup: Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

It’s full-time at the Etihad, and Manchester City were miles from their best, but are through to the FA Cup fifth round, courtesy of a routine 2-0 victory over Salford City. The hosts jumped into an early lead when Dorrington inadvertently diverted Ait-Nouri’s cross into his own net for a sixth-minute own goal. Nevertheless, Salford remained composed and came agonisingly close to an equaliser at the end of the first half as Cooper headed wide from Garbutt’s corner. The second half was far more comfortable for Man City, who assumed greater control and limited their opponents’ attacking threat. The win was sealed in the 81st minute, thanks to substitute Guehi’s late rebound, after Young parried Cherki’s cross. The top-flight outfit was then denied a third goal when Semenyo hit the post with a low, driven effort. Overall, Guardiola’s men recorded 80.4% possession, 2.42 xG and 19 shots, while Robinson’s side managed 0.36 xG and six shots. Next week, Man City entertain Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday. Meanwhile, Salford’s attention turns back to League Two as they host Newport County on Tuesday evening, before travelling to Cheltenham Town at the weekend. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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Copa del Rey: Atletico Madrid 4-0 Barcelona

It’s full-time, and Atletico Madrid have secured an extraordinary 4-0 home victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at Estadio Metropolitano! All four goals arrived in the first half, and Atleti found their first within seven minutes, after Joan Garcia failed to control Eric Garcia’s pass, allowing the ball to roll under his foot and into an unguarded net. Griezmann, Lookman and Alvarez also added to the scoresheet, courtesy of clinical finishes, as Barcelona couldn’t deal with Atleti’s counter-attacking threat. In the second half, Cubarsi had an early goal ruled out, after Lewandowski was judged to be offside in the build-up. The hosts diligently protected their lead, and the evening worsened for the visitors after Eric Garcia was sent for a last-man foul on Baena. Overall, Simeone’s men recorded a 2.33 xG and 12 shots, while Flick’s side registered 1.02 xG and 14 shots. Atleti look to have one foot in the final, with Barcelona needing a miracle in the second leg to change their fortunes. Later this week in LaLiga, Atleti travel to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Meanwhile, Barcelona have an away fixture against Girona on Monday evening. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Premier League: Leeds United 3-1 Nottingham Forest

It’s all over at Elland Road, with Leeds securing a monumentally important 3-1 victory over Forest to move nine points clear of the relegation zone. Bogle netted the first through a composed one-on-one effort, before Okafor powered in the second, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead at the interval. Forest then started the second half dismally, allowing Calvert-Lewin to skilfully chest in a third on 49 minutes. Lucca netted a late consolation for the visitors as Leeds held on to claim a vital three points. Farke’s men thoroughly deserved the victory, recording 2.50 xG, compared to Forest’s 1.13 xG. Dyche’s side remain 17th and six points clear of 18th-place West Ham, who play Burnley on Saturday. Next week, Leeds play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Tuesday, before travelling to Birmingham City on Sunday for an FA Cup tie. Meanwhile, Forest have just one match and host Wolves in the top-flight on Wednesday. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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Serie A: Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina

It’s full-time, and Napoli have held on to claim a much-needed 2-1 victory over struggling Fiorentina to move up to third in Serie A. The hosts made the breakthrough in the 11th minute, when goalkeeper Meret’s long ball found Vergara, who fired Napoli ahead. After both sides struck the woodwork in the first half, Napoli swiftly doubled their lead after the restart, thanks to Gutierrez’s delightful curling effort in the 49th minute. However, Fiorentina quickly disrupted the game’s momentum, with Solomon converting a rebound to haul Vanoli’s side back into the contest. Kean and Piccoli both missed late chances for Fiorentina, who stay 18th and in the relegation zone. This victory lifts Napoli to within seven points of league leaders Inter, and also means the club has equalled its longest unbeaten home streak in Serie A in the three-points-per-win era (also 22 between August 2015 and September 2016, with Maurizio Sarri at the helm). Meanwhile, Fiorentina have now lost 12 games in this league and only in 1937/38 and 2001/02 (14 each) did they have more defeats after 23 games in a single Serie A championship (12 also in 1946/47). In this match, Napoli recorded 1.80 xG and 19 shots, compared to Fiorentina’s 1.36 xG and 15 shots, digging in deep to secure the three points. Next Saturday in Serie A, Napoli face an away trip to Genoa, while Fiorentina host Torino. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Champions League: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Bodø/Glimt

Astonishing scenes! Bodo/Glimt secure a historic 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Estadio Metropolitano to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs. This incredible result has lifted the Norwegians into 23rd spot, and they’ve sealed consecutive victories in Europe. The hosts raced into an early lead through Sorloth’s powerful header, before Sjovold found an equaliser before the break. Bodo completed the comeback in the 59th minute, when Hogh poked in from close-range as his side held on to claim a momentous victory. Atleti struggled to create chances in the second half and will be bitterly disappointed with the scoreline, as they will also have to settle for the knockout play-offs after dropping to 14th in the table. Simeone’s men managed 2.04 xG and 27 shots, compared to Bodo’s 1.88 xG and 11 shots, but Atleti’s lack of cutting edge and end-product has proven costly. Knutsen’s side can continue dreaming as they’ll eagerly await the draw for the next round. Atleti will play Levante in LaLiga on Saturday, while Bodo’s domestic season doesn’t start until March. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea

Following an action-packed second half, Chelsea leave Selhurst Park with a commanding 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, who are now winless in eight Premier League games. Estevao opened the scoring in the first half, after pouncing on Canvot’s dismal back pass. The Blues’ lead was swiftly doubled in the second half, thanks to Joao Pedro’s drilled finish. The visitors were then awarded a penalty after Canvot accidentally handled Joao Pedro’s goal-bound shot, allowing Fernandez to slot the spot-kick into the bottom corner. Wharton received a late red card for picking up two yellow cards, before Richards netted a late consolation. Despite recording 2.04 xG and 13 shots, Palace have suffered yet another defeat and are floundering in 15th. Meanwhile, Chelsea registered 2.20 xG, and this important win moves them up to fourth. Next week, the Eagles face Nottingham Forest away in the Premier League as Chelsea travel to Italy to play Napoli on Wednesday in the Champions League, before hosting West Ham United in the top-flight on Saturday evening. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Champions League: Chelsea 1-0 Pafos

That is a monumentally important win for Chelsea, who jump into the top eight of the Champions League group-phase table on goal difference, courtesy of a tense, but well-deserved 1-0 victory over Pafos. Tension was beginning to build around Stamford Bridge until the 78th minute, when Caicedo nodded in after Neto’s corner was flicked on. Previously, Pafos goalkeeper Gorter was in imperious form, producing brilliant saves to deny the likes of Caicedo, Fernandez and Estevao. However, the visitors’ resistance was eventually broken deep into the second half and these three points move Chelsea up to eighth, in line for automatic qualification for the round of 16. This sets up a huge game against Napoli in their final Champions League fixture, with their old boss Antonio Conte needing a win to even secure a top-24 finish. In this match, Rosenior’s side recorded 1.68 xG and 21 shots, compared to Pafos’ 0.15 xG and four shots. This result means Pafos drop to 30th, and the Cypriots play Slavia Prague in their final European outing. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
Official Premier League Website •

Report: Liverpool 1-1 Burnley

Edwards' equaliser at Anfield extends Reds' run of Premier League drawsLiverpool dropped points again at home to a promoted club as the defending Premier League champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield.Marcus Edwards arrowed in a 65th-minute equaliser for the relegation-battling Clarets on Saturday, as Liverpool drew a fourth straight top-flight game.
Edwards’ goal came from Burnley’s only shot on target as Arne Slot’s team could not make their dominance count at the other end, be...
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Serie A: Juventus 5-0 Cremonese

Juventus climb up to fourth in Serie A, four points behind league leaders Inter, following a dominant 5-0 victory over Cremonese in Turin. Bremer and David netted within the first 15 minutes. Yildiz missed a penalty, but tucked in the rebound to give Juventus an unassailable three-goal advantage at half-time. Meanwhile, Cremonese had a penalty overturned by VAR, and manager Nicola was sent off for an angry reaction to a refereeing decision. The Bianconeri went into cruise control in the second half, with an own goal from Terracciano and McKennie stretching the score to 5-0. This result means that Juventus have won nine of their last 11 games in all competitions, and have overtaken Roma in the Serie A standings. Spalletti’s men recorded 3.38 xG and 18 shots, while Cremonese managed just 0.91 xG as they stay 13th in the table. On Saturday in Serie A, Juventus face an away trip to Cagliari, while Cremonese host Verona next Monday. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
Official Premier League Website •

Report: Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa

Emery's side drop more points in the title race as they extend winless run against Eagles to seven matches. Aston Villa dropped more points in the title race as they were frustrated by Crystal Palace again in a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park to extend their winless run against the Eagles to seven matches in all competitions.  Brennan Johnson came close to a goal on his home debut for Palace in the first half, but the signing from Tottenham Hotspur was denied by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who w...
Official Premier League Website •

Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Sunderland

Brobbey's late equaliser cancels out Davies' first-half openerBrian Brobbey’s 80th-minute stunner caused Tottenham Hotspur to drop more points at home in the Premier League after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland on Sunday.Brobbey picked out the top corner with a thunderous effort after a neat one-two with Enzo Le Fee.
But things had started positively for Spurs when Ben Davies diverted Micky van de Ven’s goal-bound effort into the net from close range in the 30th minute.
However, the h...
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Serie A: Juventus 1-1 Lecce

It’s full-time in Turin, and despite their dominance, Juventus have lost valuable ground in the Serie A title race with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Lecce. The visitors scored with their only shot on target when Banda intercepted Cambiaso’s poor pass, before firing into the net. Juventus responded quickly in the second half, when McKennie’s 49th-minute finish levelled the score. The Bianconeri were then awarded a penalty for a Kaba handball after a VAR review, but David’s dreadful effort was saved by Falcone. In their search for a winner, Yildiz hit the post in the 94th-minute and Openda failed to convert the rebound. Spalletti’s side managed 2.69 xG, 25 shots and 71.5% possession. Meanwhile, their opponents mustered 0.26 xG and stay 16th, moving five points clear of the relegation zone. This draw means Juventus remain fifth and are five points behind league leaders Milan, who have played a game less than the Bianconeri. Next time in Serie A, Juventus are away at Sassuolo, while Lecce host Roma. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
FotMob •

Premier League: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

It’s full-time at the Gtech, and neither side could find the breakthrough, as Brentford and Tottenham share the points with an uninspiring 0-0 draw. The majority of the action occurred in the second half, with Lewis-Potter and Thiago both missing presentable opportunities from close range. Meanwhile, Spurs appealed for a penalty when Gray felt he was tripped by Schade, but it appeared to be just a coming together. It wasn’t a particularly swashbuckling performance from either team, with a draw an accurate and fair reflection of the match. The visitors recorded a slightly higher xG of 1.01 and nine shots, while Brentford registered an xG of 0.83 and seven shots. This result leaves Frank’s men in 12th, one point behind Andrews' side in ninth. Both teams are back in action on 4 January, with Spurs hosting Sunderland and Brentford away at Everton. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
Official Premier League Website •

Report: West Ham United 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

The Seagulls peg back Nuno Espiritio Santo's side twice to earn a draw as both teams' winless streaks continueThere was penalty pandemonium at the London Stadium as West Ham United ended a run of three successive losses with a pulsating 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.Although Nuno Espirito Santo’s side closed the gap on 17th-placed Nottingham Forest to four points, West Ham were twice pegged back by their visitors in a dramatic game.
Jarrod Bowen slotted the home side into a 10th-minute...
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Premier League: Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

It’s full-time at Selhurst Park, and Spurs have secured a determined 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks to Gray’s first goal in senior football. The youngster opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a close-range header, after latching onto Richarlison’s flick. The Brazilian had two goals ruled out for offside, while Odobert also hit the post for Tottenham. Meanwhile, despite recording 15 shots and 62.1% possession, Palace struggled for any attacking inspiration, with Mateta and Devenny missing their best opportunities. Glasner’s men registered a higher xG with 1.31 compared to Spurs’ 0.84, but Frank’s side resolutely stuck to their task with an effective defensive performance. This result propels Tottenham up to 11th, two points behind ninth-placed Palace, who have now suffered three successive Premier League defeats. Both clubs are back in league action on New Year's Day, with Palace hosting Fulham, while Spurs face an away fixture at Brentford. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!
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