Roundup of a hectic festive matchweek as Arsenal continue to sit at the summit on the Premier League’s return from the World Cup break.
Comeback goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah saw league leaders, Arsenal recover to beat West Ham 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium, after Said Benrahma had fired the Hammers ahead from a 27th minute penalty following a foul on Jarrod Bowen.
Erling Haaland’s second-half brace plus a strike from Rodri saw Manchester City prevail 3-1 at Leeds United to stay five points behind in second, despite Pascal Struijk netting a late consolatory goal for the hosts.
First-half goals from Chris Wood, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton saw third-placed Newcastle United comfortably beat Leicester 3-0 at the King Power Stadium.
Second-half goals from Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw fourth-placed Tottenham snatch a 2-2 draw at Brentford, having initially fallen two goals down through goals from Vitaly Janelt and Ivan Toney.
Down in the relegation zone, Southampton slipped to rock-bottom with a 3-1 home defeat against Brighton as the Seagulls’ Solly March created Adam Lallana’s opening goal, before he grabbed their third after an own goal from Romain Perraud.
Marcus Rashford provided a goal and assist as Manchester United thrashed second-bottom Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Old Trafford, in which he created Anthony Martial’s goal to put the Red Devils 2-0 up before Fred completed their victory in the 87th minute.
Wolves moved off the foot of the table into 18th position with a dramatic comeback 2-1 win at Everton, courtesy of goals from Daniel Podence and Rayan Ait-Nouri’s injury-time winner after Yerry Mina had put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah provided a goal and assist as Liverpool comfortably beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park, during which Andrew Robertson broke the Premier League record for most assists by a defender whilst Stefan Bajcetic netted his first senior goal for the Reds.
Bobby Decordova-Reid, Tim Ream and Aleksandar Mitrovic all found the net as Fulham romped to a comfortable 3-0 away win against nine-men Crystal Palace, with the Eagles’ Tyrick Mitchell and James Tomkins both red carded either side of half-time.
Finally, Kai Havertz was involved in two goals in eight minutes as he delivered the opening goal then set up Mason Mount to complete a 2-0 home victory against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
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