A lot of leagues and competitions take the festive period off but there was no break for players in England, Italy and Portugal over the weekend, while the action at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco resumed on December 26. The Premier League's top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, both picked up hard-fought wins on Saturday but Aston Villa remain very much in the title race after a massive win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Alejandro Garnacho was fortunate not to receive a red card for a “really nasty” tackle in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, according to the Magpies’ former goalkeeper Shay Given. The Argentina winger avoided receiving his marching orders in a game full of contentious moments, with Toon boss Eddie Howe criticising the match officials after the full-time whistle.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was left furious after his side were denied what he claims was a certain penalty during the entertaining two-all clash with Chelsea, calling it a "stonewall penalty" and a "clear error" that should have been overturned by VAR. The incident occurred when Anthony Gordon was challenged in the box by Trevoh Chalobah, sending the Toon forward crashing to the ground, but the appeals were waved away.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted there are “worrying signs” over Tino Livramento’s fitness after the full-back was forced off with a knee problem in midweek. With the Magpies' defensive options already stretched, the 23-year-old is now a major doubt to face Chelsea, casting uncertainty over Howe’s plans for the crucial Premier League clash.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that he is 'unsure' about his squad's 'mentality' amid a miserable run away from home. The Magpies have won just one away Premier League fixture since mid-April and their latest derby loss to Sunderland last weekend further rubbed salt into their wounds. Howe's side now sit 12th in the Premier League table.