Matchday LIVE: Man City storm back against Arsenal, Tottenham & West Ham win

<p>HELLO!</p><p>A Crystal Palace free-kick on the edge of the penalty box presents a late set-piece chance - and the Eagles seize it with both hands!</p><p>Michael Olise steps up and swings it straight over the crowded area and into the back of the net!</p><p>West Ham have seen their lead slashed to one, with four minutes of added time to come.</p>

GOAL: Palace 2-3 West Ham

<p>Too little, too late for Crystal Palace?</p><p>Odsonne Edouard lashes a foot out to meet Michael Olise's cross and sticks it in the back of West Ham's net.</p><p>The hosts finally have a response, but given we're fast approaching the last acts of this match, it is surely a consolation prize.</p>

GOAL: Palace 1-3 West Ham

<p>Game, set and match, you may say now!</p><p>Manuel Lanzini doubles his tally for the game as he steps up to the spot and drills low into the bottom-left corner.</p><p>Vicente Guaita goes the right way but he cannot get enough on the ball to stop it from nestling in his net.</p>

GOAL: Palace 0-3 West Ham

<p>A double sucker punch move from West Ham!</p><p>Manuel Lanzini goes one way and shoots the other, rattling a finish in off the underside of the crossbar after Declan Rice sets him up.</p><p>It's fast, it's furious, and it has put them two goals up against Crystal Palace in the blink of an eye.</p>

GOAL: Palace 0-2 West Ham

<p>First blood to the Hammers!</p><p>Crystal Palace will be frustrated at that one. A simple cross is swept in, dipping in the six-yard area, and their defence allows Michail Antonio to get the drop on them.</p><p>It's only a glancing toe poke from the latter, but it is enough do divert it into the back of the net for sure.</p>

GOAL: Palace 0-1 West Ham

<p>There goes the final whistle, with triple-numbers up on the match clock - and it is Tottenham who have struck late to keep the Antonio Conte revolution going.</p><p>For so long, Spurs looked to have been frustrated by the efforts of Waford, with Claudio Ranieri's side doing all they could to keep their visitors at bay.</p><p>But in the end, it was all for nothing, as Davinson Sanchez delivered a bullet header to seal the three points. The Hornets look desolate. Conte pumps the air. Mission accomplished.</p>

FT: Watford 0-1 Spurs

Late Sanchez header earns Tottenham victory

<p>Last-gasp heartbreak once again the Premier League on New Year's Day!</p><p>First it was Arsenal, wrecked in injury-time by Rodri's close-range finish for Manchester City, and now it is Watford's turn to lose in the final act, as Tottenham head home a likely winner at Vicarage Road.</p><p>Son Heung-min turns a bullet of a free-kick into the six-yard area from close to the left edge of the penalty box and Davinson Sanchez plants a powerful header straight into the back of the net from a handful of feet away.</p>

GOAL: Watford 0-1 Spurs

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">COME ON YOU PALACE<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRYWHU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYWHU</a></p>— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1477316222081503233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📋 Our first starting XI of 2022 looks like this...<br><br>COME ON YOU IRONS!!! ⚒<a href="https://twitter.com/betway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@betway</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRYWHU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYWHU</a> <a href="https://t.co/UeW4SwuCl6">pic.twitter.com/UeW4SwuCl6</a></p>— West Ham United (@WestHam) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1477316239844429834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team News: Palace v West Ham

<p>There goes the final whistle - and the outpouring of contrasting emotion is hard to contain inside the Emirates Stadium.</p><p>Manchester City grip themselves tightly, a desperate joy on their face. They have snatched victory from the jaws of a metaphorical defeat or draw in the title race, to extend their lead at the summit.</p><p>But they have done so in a game that turned from crackerjack to controversial in the space of a few mad minutes for Arsenal. Their supporters roundly boo - but not for their own players, who gave everything on the pitch, and now lay slumped, disbelieving on the turf.</p><p>It is almost like a cup final, such is the state. But Pep Guardiola survives an almighty scare and the champions march on.</p>

FT: Arsenal 1-2 Man City

Champions come back to beat ten-men Gunners

<p>It's heartbreak for Arsenal! Manchester City snatch the lead in this game with mere seconds left on the clock!</p><p>It's an unfortunate one too. The visitors drift a brilliant ball into the area, but it is a tight deflection off Ben White that brings it into the path of Rodri, who manages to muzzle home at close range.</p><p>Off comes his shirt as he races to the corner, where the home fans hurl bottles onto the pitch in anger. This has turned into an ugly afternoon for the Gunners.</p>

GOAL: Arsenal 1-2 Man City

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨<br><br>Here's your first Hornets line-up of the New Year!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATTOT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATTOT</a> <a href="https://t.co/i4BIfPa96o">pic.twitter.com/i4BIfPa96o</a></p>— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1477278440722210816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your team to face <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WatfordFC</a> 👇 <a href="https://t.co/7qZNhrGT7S">pic.twitter.com/7qZNhrGT7S</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1477278632112496640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team News: Watford v Spurs

Dennis features for hosts, Kane leads line for visitors

<p>It's gone from bad to worse for Arsenal - and they are absolutely incensed!</p><p>But this is a fair decision. Gabriel was booked for scuffing up the penalty spot before Mahrez converted, in an act of stupid gamesmanship, and now he effectively clatters Gabriel Jesus as his emotions get the better of him in the middle of the park.</p><p>It's a second yellow and he's off! Arsenal must face the champions a man down once more! The chance for Manchester City to win this game now has never looked so bright.</p>

RED CARD: Arsenal 1-1 Man City

<p>Aaron Ramsdale's record in deflecting spot-kicks is not a bad one in the Premier League - but Riyad Mahrez dispatches this one with brutal skill.</p><p>It could be his last contribution before the Africa Cup of Nations - and if so, it hands a lifeline to his side in a game where they have looked likely to suffer against their deserving hosts.</p><p>The Gunners are still fuming about that call from VAR.</p>

GOAL: Arsenal 1-1 Man City

<p>And with that, the curtain comes down on 2022's first day of football action - and it's been business as usual, just about.</p><p>Manchester City and Tottenham got their predicted wins over Arsenal and Watford, but both had to fight hard for it - and not without complaints on the former either - while West Ham held off a late rally from Crystal Palace too.</p><p>One down - and 364 to go. Until tomorrow, thank you and have a good time!</p>

Thank you and goodbye

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 - Crystal Palace have lost a home league match on New Year’s Day for the first time in their history, with this their 14th such match (previously W7 D6 L0). Margins.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477363751179411457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Palace make unwanted history

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michail Antonio goal celebrations &gt; <a href="https://t.co/zMQCK7G2mp">pic.twitter.com/zMQCK7G2mp</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1477343910099886083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Dive into the new year

<p>And breathe!</p><p>It has been a frantic final act but the whistle goes and West Ham have clung on for victory.</p><p>The Hammers looked to be home and dry but Crystal Palace never went away and almost nicked a point at the end.</p><p>The visitors keep up the pressure on the top four, but David Moyes' opposite number Patrick Vieira is not a happy man. He gets a yellow card from the referee after he blows up at him.</p>

FT: Palace 2-3 West Ham

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 - West Ham have gone into a Premier League away game with a three-goal half-time lead for the very first time, with this their 490th match on the road in the competition. Ascendancy.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477345242886062082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hammers on top of the world

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">55: So close.<br><br>Edouard hits it wide at the back post after a delightful Ayew cross.<br><br>🦅 0-3 ⚒<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRYWHU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYWHU</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQzAmAgKqb">pic.twitter.com/rQzAmAgKqb</a></p>— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1477351531221598211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hosts nearly land response

<p>As the second half gets underway, it's nice to have a match that isn't going to go down quite as close to the wire. (Crystal Palace, naturally, will feel very differently.)</p><p>David Moyes is very much still in the zone, wanting more from his side. He still wants the Hammers to show that they are hungry in this one.</p>

No close shave?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">52% - 52% of Manuel Lanzini’s 25 goals in the Premier League have been scored in London derbies, the highest such ratio by any player with 20+ goals in the competition’s history (13 of 25). Occasion.</p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477345015668121604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Lanzini the lord of London

<p>There goes the whistle and Crystal Palace trudge off with their heads bowed.</p><p>West Ham look like they've won the lottery though, and it's only half-time. </p><p>David Moyes will have to keep them on the straight and narrow. This game looks like a done deal, but he'll know it is far from over.</p>

HT: Palace 0-3 West Ham

<p>Another Premier League game, another penalty from the call of VAR!</p><p>Crystal Palace look pretty nervy about this one, with Luka Milivovejic caught out by a ball on the edge of his box. It strikes his arm and although Darren England does not seem interested at first, the question remains to be asked.</p><p>Off he goes to the pitchside monitor - and the spot-kick is awarded!</p>

Hammers win penalty off Milivojevic handball

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">14: Stunning triple save from VG 🤯<br><br>🦅 0-0 ⚒<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRYWHU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYWHU</a> <a href="https://t.co/DQ3PVm0vdy">pic.twitter.com/DQ3PVm0vdy</a></p>— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1477335341166215168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hosts ward off frantic attack

<p>For the last time today, we're underway in the Premier League - in what is arguably the lowest headline clash of the three but could well prove to be just as evenly matched as the rest of them.</p><p>West Ham are looking to take a piece out of Crystal Palace - but the Eagles have shown they are far from a fragile prospect this campaign.</p>

KO: Palace v West Ham

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">▪️ Two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal<br>▪️ Two games in hand<br><br>Antonio Conte is still unbeaten in the Premier League with Tottenham 👀<br><br>Next up: Arsenal (h) 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/JbFDiuxt5D">pic.twitter.com/JbFDiuxt5D</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1477328177567576064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cut the gap

<p>His boys left it late but Antonio Conte got that win in the end and he says that he knows his team must do it tough to get these results.</p><p>"It is important to get three points," he tells <em>Sky Sports</em>. "We know we have to suffer to get points. We are building a team to try to be competitive in the future.</p><p>"But we know we have to be competitive in this season too. It is important to be humble, to fight and to suffer. I think everything can improve."</p><br><br>

Conte knows Spurs 'must suffer'

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ben Davies is all of us. <a href="https://t.co/KVdYTu6OI6">pic.twitter.com/KVdYTu6OI6</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1477324424894369792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Relief for frustrated visitors

<p>A round of applause breaks out around Vicarage Road, as the medical staff depart with what looks to be a supporter.</p><p>Both teams have taken on instructions and the game now resumes in the 92nd minute, with eight additional minutes flagged by the fourth official.</p><p>It may well prove to be much longer than that.</p>

Game resumes in overtime

<p>Both the Hornets and their visitors are onto the home straight in looking for a late winner, but this match has been brought to a halt by the referee.</p><p>Something has unfolded in the crowd by the looks of things. Medical staff have raced across the pitch to where the incident has taken place.</p><p>Understandably, this match will wait until we have further information.</p>

Play paused for crowd incident

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a chance.<br><br>Kane pounces on a loose ball and curls an effort inches wide. <br><br>🟡 0-0 ⚪️ (31’) <a href="https://t.co/t2aHLWeYZv">pic.twitter.com/t2aHLWeYZv</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1477301430419705866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Kane goes close for Tottenham

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">(C) <a href="https://t.co/4SVqV8C1ta">pic.twitter.com/4SVqV8C1ta</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1477311753214214145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Captain Fantastic?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sierralta rising high 💪🇨🇱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATTOT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATTOT</a> <a href="https://t.co/rzVRPWm4F3">pic.twitter.com/rzVRPWm4F3</a></p>— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1477296690352766983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cagey contest so far

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">King goes close! 😮<br><br>A superb curling effort from the striker is tipped wide by Lloris.<br><br>⏱ 54’<br>🐝 0-0 🟣<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATTOT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATTOT</a> <a href="https://t.co/bnotxZNrtJ">pic.twitter.com/bnotxZNrtJ</a></p>— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1477311581751025665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hornets almost crack game open

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'For 57 minutes, Arsenal were electric' 👀<br><br>But four remarkable minutes turned everything on its head 🤦‍♂️<br><br>✍️ <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charles_watts</a></p>— GOAL News (@GoalNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoalNews/status/1477308540939386883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Arsenal suffer for moments of madness

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pep Guardiola's Premier League record vs Arsenal:<br>🔹 12 games<br>🔹 11 wins<br>🔹 1 draw<br>🔹 0 defeats<br><br>Unbeatable 👑 <a href="https://t.co/aC1AGmILLc">pic.twitter.com/aC1AGmILLc</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1477303852055543811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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King-level

<p>There goes the whistle for the interval - and it remains goalless at Vicarage Road, much to Tottenham's ire.</p><p>Spurs have been kept off the scoresheet against Watford, despite providing themselves with the chances. Antonio Conte looks oddly placid as his side heads into the sheds.</p><p>There will be plenty more to come from this one, you'd think.</p>

HT: Watford 0-0 Spurs

Tottenham frustrated by Hornets on the road

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The scenes at full-time. <br><br>Arsenal fans full of support for their team after that cruel, cruel defeat. <a href="https://t.co/HbVIv8Iokf">pic.twitter.com/HbVIv8Iokf</a></p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477286395370745862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Fans fete heartbroken hosts

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">92:28 - Rodri's goal, timed at 92:28, is <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCity</a>'s latest winning goal in a <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> match since Gabriel Jesus v Southampton in May 2018 (93:01), a goal which took the Citizens to 100 points in the 2017-18 season. Drama. <a href="https://t.co/8jBbS3BVdp">pic.twitter.com/8jBbS3BVdp</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477285455360049155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Leaving it late

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ramsdale: "Both penalties, I don't know why the ref is told to see one and not the other. It is there for a reason, go and use it. It is the inconsistency. The whole point is to help the game out, in real time it didn't look like one and slow it down on a screen and it is given."</p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477294279026528256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ramsdale frustrated by penalty call

<p>It's a relatively brief trip across from the Emirates Stadium to Vicarage Road - and Arsenal's defeat does mean that Tottenham can close up on the top four, if they can get the better of Watford.</p><p>And here we go!</p>

KO: Watford v Spurs

<p>It may be a bitter pill for Arsenal to swallow but shotstopper Aaron Ramsdale feels that the young side have no reason to be afraid on the basis of this performance.</p><p>"Tough to take but we have to take it, that is the result," he tells <em>BT Sport</em>. "I don't think for large parts of the game, teams have done that to Manchester City. The red card changes the game, we were so close.</p><p>"They are one of, if not the best team in the league. We are a young team and don't fear anyone."</p>

Ramsdale vows 'no fear' for young Gunners

<p>I'll tell you what, if the other two games today can even pack in half of the drama we've just had in north London, we are in for a treat.</p><p>But is that really it? Is the title race officially done and dusted? Manchester City are so far ahead, they're practically on the starting line for next season already.</p><p>If Chelsea and Liverpool slip up this month, their players might as well start thinking about what they'd like to do with their free time on World Cup duty in Qatar.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Title race over? 🤷‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/9FXpFg75ZP">pic.twitter.com/9FXpFg75ZP</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1477288014221135877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Over before it begins?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">11 - Man City's win means they will end New Year's Day with an 11-point lead at the top of the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> table; in the competition's history, only Man Utd in 1993-94 and Man City in 2017-18 (both 12 pts) had a bigger lead at the end of January 1st in a season. Untouchable. <a href="https://t.co/rnDPfwOgGp">pic.twitter.com/rnDPfwOgGp</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477286370607566853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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City confirm monster lead

<p>Since going a man down, several Arsenal players have stood up to the plate even more, if that was possible. It's probably Thomas Partey's best game in a Gunners shirt.</p><p>They've got six added minutes - and whatever may come on top of that - to survive in order to get a point they do deserve, particularly for that superb first half.</p><p>But Manchester City are lurking. They know how to find a winner in situations like these.</p>

Six added minutes incoming

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">100 - Arsenal have become the first side in Premier League history to receive 100 red cards, with the Gunners having 11 players sent off under Mikel Arteta in the competition, also more than any other side since his first game in charge. Problematic. <a href="https://t.co/pVR7LblUC1">pic.twitter.com/pVR7LblUC1</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477277080886906882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gunners set unwanted red record

<p>A spot of news away from this match as Manchester City continue to turn the screw on Arsenal, hoping to hang on for a point here - but Jurgen Klopp will miss Liverpool's clash with Chelsea.</p><p>The Reds boss has been caught by Covid-19 and will have to sit out his side's game with the Blues.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liverpool have confirmed that Jurgen Klopp has tested positive for coronavirus.<br><br>Get well soon 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Rh8YJiVw4N">pic.twitter.com/Rh8YJiVw4N</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1477278158688866307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Klopp to miss Chelsea game with Covid-19

<p>This has been one heck of a game to start 2022 with - but Stuart Atwell looks to be battling against the tide. This is a powder keg ready to go off.</p><p>Arsenal and their supporters are fuming. A penalty call against them after an earlier one for them had been waved away, a rapid-fire red card, and now Bukayo Saka is booked as both sides square up once again.</p><p>You can feel the fury in the stands, as the hosts look to stay in this despite their man disadvantage.</p>

Tensions threaten to boil over

<p>How on earth have Arsenal not retaken the lead there?!</p><p>Confusion reigns at the back for Manchester City as Ederson is caught off his line and a looped header floats beyond him.</p><p>Somehow, Nathan Ake manages to get back and clear it off the line, before Gabriel Martinelli blazes past an open net.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martinelli misses an open goal after Ake clears off the line.</p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477275358152245249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Arsenal miss golden opportunity to retake lead

<p>Arsenal could be in trouble here - and they are! Manchester City have a penalty thanks to VAR!</p><p>Bernardo Silva has his shirt grabbed by Granit Xhaka and goes down. It looks like the former is on the way down already, and referee Stuart Atwell is not interested.</p><p>But the intervention comes and asks him to look at the side screen - and the decision is overturned!</p>

Silva draws penalty from Xhaka

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back underway.</p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477272105532235780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Back in action

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">20 - Aged 20 years, 118 days, Bukayo Saka is the second-youngest Arsenal player to score a <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> goal against the reigning champions, after Nicolas Anelka v Manchester United in November 1997 (18y 240d). Unscripted. <a href="https://t.co/DuFZP4deQv">pic.twitter.com/DuFZP4deQv</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477265544441180164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Youth gone wild

<p>There goes the whistle for the break - and just listen to that roar!</p><p>There will be one just like it at the final whistle elsewhere in London and on Merseyside if Arsenal hang on to their lead against Manchester City.</p><p>Bukayo Saka is the toast of the town, but plenty of the Gunners have played their part. Their visitors will surely offer a response though.</p>

HT: Arsenal 1-0 Man City

Saka puts energetic Gunners on top against champions

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So, so close.<br><br>Magic run from Martinell, twists City players inside and out, but his finish is just past the far post.</p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477267117242212352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gunners continue to threaten

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bukayo Saka with a perfectly placed first-time shot 👌<br><br>Arsenal made a great start against City and it's their number seven who gets the goal! <a href="https://t.co/OHWbeUBOOY">pic.twitter.com/OHWbeUBOOY</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1477264787721572362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a start to 2022 for Arsenal!<br><br>It's the wonderkid Saka with the goal! <br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/usa_network?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USA_Network</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSMCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> <a href="https://t.co/IBIkA8rJNr">pic.twitter.com/IBIkA8rJNr</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1477264956471095296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Sweet Saka strike gives Gunners lead

<p>A worthy opener for the Gunners!</p><p>Manchester City have shipped very few goals this season - in fact, Wilfried Zaha is the only man to have netted against them in the first half of the Premier League this term - but Bukayo Saka has cut them open with a fine finish.</p><p>The beauty of the work is how the hosts play the ball from right to left with a slate of wonderful passes, before Kieran Tierney slots a neat low ball in for the England international to sweep home at the right post.</p>

GOAL: Arsenal 1-0 Man City

<p>No breakthrough yet, but it's unlikely this Manchester City side are going to be quiet today.</p><p>They set the record for most points in an English top-flight year in 2021.</p><p>They really are looking hot to the touch.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">110 - Manchester City won 110 points in the Premier League in 2021, 27 more than any other side. It is the most points any side has won in a year in top-flight history, with their win over Brentford taking them ahead of the 107 that Liverpool won during 1982. Record-breakers. <a href="https://t.co/XdjwR8i4Ba">pic.twitter.com/XdjwR8i4Ba</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1476940692458983425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Conquer

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big let off for Arsenal.<br><br>Ramsdale stranded out of position, Dias glances a header towards goal but it goes wide. Ramsdale would have been nowhere had that been on target.</p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477260031296999428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Arsenal survive golden scare

<p>It's been a bright opening act, with City shading the threat overall - but Arsenal come close to cutting them open down the other end now.</p><p>Martin Odegaard cuts through on the right side of the box and Ederson lunges for him. It's a big, <strong>big </strong>trailing leg, and the Gunners star goes down.</p><p>Referee Stuart Atwell says no penalty, and there is just enough of a suggestion that the goalkeeper got a touch on the ball first that VAR deems it the right call.</p>

Ederson dodges penalty claim

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">London's calling (again) 📞<br><br>📍 Emirates Stadium<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> <a href="https://t.co/B7BXks2EVw">pic.twitter.com/B7BXks2EVw</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1477250661200936964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Blue skies calling

<p>It's a lively crowd for what is after all an early kick-off on New Year's Day. A lot of the rest of the league might still be in bed.</p><p>Referee Stuart Atwell looks at his watch, blows his whistle for the knee, and then we are underway in the first Premier League clash of 2022!</p><p>A true test of the Gunners' credentials today, as the champions look to continue that steady march up the table.</p>

KO: Arsenal v Man City

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">9 - Arsenal have lost each of their last nine Premier League games against Manchester City since a 2-2 draw in April 2017 – it’s their longest ever losing run against an opponent in their league history. One-sided. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSMCI</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1477245135100555265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Can Gunners buck the trend?

<p>Depending how you decided the spend the end of 2021, you may have missed that there appears to be discontent in the ranks at Chelsea and Manchester United with two of their biggest stars.</p><p>Romelu Lukaku's explosive interview about his frustrations since his return to the Blues looks to have been one of the strangest acts of self-sabotage committed by a star buy, with the Belgian instead pledging love for old club Inter in something of a muddled narrative.</p><p>Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile made sure to remind everyone that, while 2021 was a tough year, he did at least score a lot of goals. It's not quite as overt, but perhaps the Portuguese isn't too happy with how things have panned out for his Red Devils homecoming.</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYKrh8xIi_1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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Resolutions or revolutions?

<p>Kick-off is just around the corner, but if Manchester City intend to start 2022 how they left off in 2021, then it seems an obvious conclusion that they will be adding another Premier League crown to their honour roll.</p><p>While Arsenal have themselves rallied with some impressive results this term - they are in a rich vein of form which has vaulted them back into the top four - nobody can match Pep Guardiola's men.</p><p>Slip-ups for Liverpool and Chelsea in pursuit have seen the gap grow, and the less said about Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United, the better. This is the Citizens' title to lose now, surely.</p>

City too hot to handle?

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Arsenal out to warm-up for the first time in 2022. <a href="https://t.co/XgdmzNJQVP">pic.twitter.com/XgdmzNJQVP</a></p>— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) <a href="https://twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1477246661651013633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ring in the new year

<p>There's a few key faces missing on the pitch too of course - Phil Foden is injured and therefore fails to make the cut for the visitors - but both clubs, along with the rest of the Premier League, are braced to lose some big stars over the coming weeks.</p><p>The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations - ACON - finally gets underway this month, after suffering a knock-on delay like Euro 2020 thanks to Covid-19.</p><p>It means that the Gunners will lose several star players for the next few weeks, like Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe, as well as the outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been released early to join Gabon.</p><p>City meanwhile will just lose one player, in Riyad Mahrez.</p>

Clubs prepare for ACON rush

<p>So, there are few surprises in those two line-ups for Manchester City and Arsenal - but one man missing entirely today will be coach Mikel Arteta.</p><p>The Spaniard has already caught Covid-19 once before but a fresh case over the Christmas period means that he must sit out their clash today - and miss out on a reunion with his old side.</p><p>Arteta, of course, previously was Pep Guardiola's number two at City before taking the top job with the Gunners. Albert Stuivenberg takes his place in charge today.</p>

Arteta misses reunion with fresh Covid case

<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our first starting XI of 2022…<br><br>🇯🇵 Tomiyasu returns <br>🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://twitter.com/BukayoSaka87?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BukayoSaka87</a> starts <br>🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/gabimartinelli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gabimartinelli</a> in attack <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSMCI</a> 🔴 <a href="https://t.co/lzpk9JG7tY">pic.twitter.com/lzpk9JG7tY</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1477241567085797381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">📋 TEAM NEWS 📋<br><br>XI | Ederson, Cancelo, Dias (C), Laporte, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Sterling, Jesus, Mahrez<br><br>SUBS | Steffen, Walker, Gundogan, Grealish, Fernandinho, Kayky, Mbete, Palmer, McAtee<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Haystechnology?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HaysTechnology</a> <a href="https://t.co/zpVCBPxcsZ">pic.twitter.com/zpVCBPxcsZ</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1477240700978802692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team News: Arsenal v Man City

Tomiyasu starts for hosts, Foden absent for visitors

<p>Typically, we'd provide you with a full list of where and when everything would shake down throughout the day, but given the relative lack of total fixtures, that seems a tad like overkill.</p><p>So, it is <strong>Manchester City</strong> who get today's action underway, with a trip to face <strong>Arsenal </strong>at the Emirates Stadium (1230 GMT/0730 EST/0430 PST). Then, <strong>Tottenham </strong>make the relatively short trip to Vicarage Road to face <strong>Watford </strong>(1500 GMT/1000 EST/0700 PST) and then it all wraps up as <strong>West Ham</strong> square off with <strong>Crystal Palace</strong> at Selhurst Park. (1730 GMT/1230 EST/0930 PST).</p><p>We'll be here to bring you all the action as it comes in.</p>

Today's order of play

<p>Hello and welcome to GOAL Matchday Live - our rolling blog coverage of all the biggest beats and hottest games across Europe this weekend!</p><p>Of course, it is a smaller than normal roster to ring in the new year, what with continental football still on its mid-season break and another English top-flight game curtailed by Covid 19.</p><p>But what's that riding over the hill to kick off 2022 in style? It's Premier League champions Manchester City, Europa League contenders West Ham and the heavyweight London quartet of Arsenal, Tottenham, Watford and Crystal Palace!</p><p>Sit yourselves down, folks - we're getting this World Cup year off with a bang.</p>

🎉 ⚽️ Welcome to GOAL Matchday Live! ⚽️ 🎉

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Matchday LIVE: Arsenal host Manchester City, Spurs travel to Watford, Crystal Palace face West Ham | Goal.com South Africa

Join GOAL as we take in all the Premier League action across New Year&apos;s Day