Matchday LIVE: Chelsea drop points against Brighton as City extend lead atop Premier League

Thanks to everyone for following along through another busy day in the Premier League.Man City took a huge step forward, Chelsea took a huge step backward and the Premier League title race is now in an interesting spot.But we're still not ready to close out 2021, as Manchester United are in action tomorrow as they look to bounce back amid plenty of criticism.We'll be back for that one so, until then, have a good one!

That's all for tonight, folks

A night of celebration for City

Pep Guardiola isn't quite ready to start clearing space for another Premier League trophy."Thank you for the nice words because we win but I am not going to believe you if you say it is already done," he said after City's win. "Chelsea and Liverpool are more than exceptional. One is the champion of Europe and Liverpool have been our big rival in recent years. "There are 54 points still to play and every game, we are just thinking the next game we have."

Pep not getting carried away...

After starting out wide, Phil Foden slid into a false nine position in the second half in place of Jack Grealish.And, based on his play today, it's safe to say it suits him!"Yeah, I'm enjoying it," he told Amazon. "Maybe in the future I can move into there. Wherever the manager puts me I try and do my best for the team. "I started on the left in the first-half don't forget as well. So it's really good that I'm adaptable and I can fit in anywhere."

Foden the false nine?

It's safe to say it wasn't Chelsea's day...Thomas Tuchel was furious after the Blues' draw, which felt a lot like a loss given the current status of the Premier League table.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/everything-against-chelsea-tuchel-bemoans-referee-decisions/blteb93e5cb1884a739" target="_self">Read what Tuchel had to say on GOAL!</a>

Tuchel bemoans referee decisions & injuries

Phil Foden insists that Manchester City aren't going to slow down.The midfielder scored the lone goal in today's 1-0 win, and he says the Premier League leaders aren't close to satisfied."Round Christmas you have to keep your foot on the gas and keep focused," he told Amazon. "This team is doing that."This is the most challenging league in the world and it goes to show that you can drop points at any time. The team remain focused and we're happy."

Foden: Keep the foot on the gas

With today's victory, Manchester City have now won each of their last 10 Premier League games.This run marks the fourth time they've had a run of at least 10 consecutive league wins under Pep Guardiola. No other manager in Premier League history has had more than two separate runs of double-digit wins in a row.

Unbeatable City

It's all over and it's 1-0 to City.Could have had a few more, but they won't care too much! City are eight points clear heading into 2022 as they're big, big favourites to win the Premier League title now.

City hold on

"Hamstring injury for Reece James, back injury for Christensen," Tuchel said at his press conference."We knew before that this would be a tough match, I have not seen many teams play a nice game against them. "We don't know what we can demand from players after injuries and Covid, I don't know what they are capable of doing. The injury for Reece James was a huge blow."<div></div>

A Chelsea injury update

Make it two goals ruled out for City.After Foden's finish was called offside earlier, Aymeric Laporte sees a header called back with just a few minutes remaining.Still, City are up 1-0, but could easily be up three if not for a few centimetres

Another City goal ruled off

Safe to say Thomas Tuchel isn't happy!"We have a horrible decision for a penalty from the referee for 2-0," Tuchel told Amazon after the game. "It wasn’t even checked."Everything is against us. We have two injuries again."<div></div>

Tuchel: Everything is against us

City all but coasting, although Brentford have had some decent spells.Still only down 1-0, though, although scoring against the Premier League leaders will be quite a task.

10 more minutes for City...

Having squandered a late lead against Brighton, Chelsea have now dropped 11 points from leading positions in the Premier League this season.That's more than they did all of last season under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, when they dropped just 10 points from games in which they led.

A worrying trend for Chelsea...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That was Brighton's first league goal at Stamford Bridge, ever.— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1476305146376298509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There's a first time for everything!

It's all over at Brentford as Chelsea have dropped points thanks to that late goal.A horrible, horrible result for the Blues, who may end the year eight points behind Manchester City as a result.A deserved point for Brighton, however, who certainly created enough to feel worthy of this result. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Brighton equalise with Chelsea in the 91st minute. Pain. <a href="https://t.co/IttRApu9z3">pic.twitter.com/IttRApu9z3</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1476304150300598272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chelsea drop points

Foden finds the back of the net once again, but this one won't count.A good finish from the young midfielder but, after nearly seeing his first goal ruled off for a close off side call, he does see this one called back as it remains 1-0.

City see goal ruled off

Danny Welbeck!Chelsea's title hopes may be all but over as the former Arsenal forward fires Brighton level.Welbeck's goal comes in the 90th minute, and it is fair to say its deserved considering how hard Brighton pushed for it.A lovely cross from Cucurella, a perfect head from Welbeck and Chelsea are left wondering what could have been.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WELBECK LEVELS IT 😲 With just minutes to go, the Brighton striker nods home brilliantly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLonPrime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PLonPrime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBHA</a> <a href="https://t.co/0w3mTy9SSV">pic.twitter.com/0w3mTy9SSV</a>— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1476302688761659400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welbeck! In stoppage time! Brighton steal a point at Stamford Bridge! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBHA</a> <a href="https://t.co/1g8n9VipOr">pic.twitter.com/1g8n9VipOr</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1476306321255411716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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GOAL BRIGHTON!

With Chelsea holding on to their 1-0 lead at Stamford Bridge, Man City and Brentford are back underway.

Back underway at Brentford

Foden's goal enough for City so far as they lead 1-0.With that, they have a six-point lead on Chelsea as things stand and a nine-point lead on Liverpool after yesterday's result.

City lead at halftime

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Superman comes on. Chelsea switch to 3-5-2 having been domianted for 20 minutes or so. <a href="https://t.co/vnJMBsTuuW">https://t.co/vnJMBsTuuW</a>— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1476296176605581314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Kante on as Chelsea switch tactics

Brighton aren't planning on rolling over against Chelsea!The visitors started the first half well, and have come out hot in the second half despite trailing 1-0.Looks like this may not be straightforward for Chelsea, especially with the injury issues and early substitution.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chelsea are just backs against the wall in the second half. Brighton are all over them. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBHA</a>— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1476294370399821827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Brighton start second half hot

Just moments after Brentford go oh so close, City are in the lead through Phil Foden.Not much of a surprise on the assist, as Kevin de Bruyne tees up Foden and, despite a close offside call, City are ahead. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">De Bruyne ➡️ Foden ➡️ GOAL! A beautiful delivery from the Belgian and <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCity</a> open the scoring at Brentford! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLonPrime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PLonPrime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/4KqVR2RJyJ">pic.twitter.com/4KqVR2RJyJ</a>— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1476290812896059399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The opener in London! Phil Foden finds goal to give <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCityUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManCityUS</a> the early lead. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/jfwdoMalsc">pic.twitter.com/jfwdoMalsc</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1476291142614462474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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GOAL CITY!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">12 - Mason Mount has been directly involved in 12 Premier League goals this season (7 goals, 5 assists), the most of any English player, and his joint-most in a single campaign in the competition (also 12 in 2019-20). Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBHA</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1476283570499076096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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How good is Mason Mount?!?

A solid first half for Chelsea, who lead 1-0 through Lukaku.The big news, though, may just be James' injury as Chelsea look like they'll now be without their two best wingbacks for a bit.

Halftime: Chelsea 1 - 0 Brighton

As Chelsea head towards halftime with the lead, Man City and Brentford have kicked off.

Kickoff at Brentford

A big game for City

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Reece James injury is described as a hamstring problem by Amazon Prime. That could be two to six weeks in my experience but let's see. A scan will be needed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBHA</a>— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1476283405625081860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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More on James' exit

LUKAKU!Just moments after James is forced out, Chelsea are in the lead through their big-money striker.The Belgian star flicked home a corner and, despite a VAR review for a potential foul from Lukaku, the goal stands.Huge goal for Chelsea.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2️⃣ in 2️⃣ for Romelu Lukaku 🇧🇪 Chelsea strike first from a corner, and the Belgian gets his second in as many games 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLonPrime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PLonPrime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBHA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBHA</a> <a href="https://t.co/JdJ6ezNqwS">pic.twitter.com/JdJ6ezNqwS</a>— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1476282282373795854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LUKAKU! He has Chelsea in front at Stamford Bridge. 📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/peacocktv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacockTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/FmHM0WBJvj">pic.twitter.com/FmHM0WBJvj</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1476292187071594497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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GOAL CHELSEA!

Reece James is down and his night is over. Given Chelsea's fullback absences, this is horrible news for Thomas Tuchel, who is forced to turn to Marcos Alonso to play opposite Christian Pulisic as wingbacks.

And now some actual bad news for Chelsea

A slight scare for the Blues, as Andreas Christensen goes down.The defender received some treatment, but it appears he's going to try to continue on.

Slight scare for Chelsea

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It's probably also a reason why James is playing on the left instead of right today. Tuchel is showing respect to Lamptey.— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1476277201221861377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A tasty matchup of young stars...

Safe to say Thomas Tuchel expects Romelu Lukaku to make the difference for Chelsea very, very soon."Romelu [Lukaku] will be back to his best at some point after injury," Tuchel told Premier League Productions before the match. "He was out and then caught Covid and missed another 10 days training."His work rate and intensity against Aston Villa was on a higher level."

Tuchel backs Lukaku

Kickoff and they're underway at Stamford Bridge.It appears that Pulisic is actually on the right, with James on the left side of the defence to start.

Chelsea and Brighton are underway!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The last time Chelsea hosted Brighton was a bit of a wild time to be a reporter and a football fan. It strangely feels like ancient history now, but the Super League idea still looms large over the sport. <a href="https://t.co/2URBZ6mvFp">https://t.co/2URBZ6mvFp</a>— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1476268847032422402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Super League seems so long ago...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📋 TEAM NEWS 📋 XI | Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake, Fernandinho (C), De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Jesus, Grealish SUBS | Steffen, Carson, Sterling, Gundogan, Zinchenko, Mahrez, Mbete, Palmer<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/UbmyFFktqP">pic.twitter.com/UbmyFFktqP</a>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1476270552335757312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🚨 🔄 Roerslev returns in place of Canos ➡ Onyeka and Wissa also start ⬅ Norgaard (suspended) and Mbeumo (calf) among 11 absentees tonight Teams presented by @BlueJeansNet <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrentfordFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrentfordFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/QG5FeUBJaz">pic.twitter.com/QG5FeUBJaz</a>— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1476270651451314176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Team news: Brentford vs Manchester City

At just age 22, Reece James is already emerging as a star.He's won a Champions League, played at the Euros and thrown his name into the conversation as the Premier League's right back. In the words of one former, team-mate: "The world is his oyster."<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/the-world-s-his-oyster-the-making-of-chelsea-s-champions/blt487920749109442f" target="_self">Read all about James' rise and what makes him one of the most exciting young stars in world football. </a><picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltaff3957b09ffcbcb/GettyImages-1236756664.jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltaff3957b09ffcbcb/GettyImages-1236756664.jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltaff3957b09ffcbcb/GettyImages-1236756664.jpg?format=jpg" alt="Reece James Chelsea " data-source="Getty Images" data-copyright="Getty Images" data-portal-copyright="Getty Images" perform:prop="uuid:bltaff3957b09ffcbcb;width:4096;height:2304"></picture>

The making of Reece James

He's played on the wing and as a centre-forward, but Christian Pulisic is back at wing-back today.The American will be on the left side, with Marcos Alonso rested and Ben Chilwell out for the rest of the season after undergoing ACL surgery.

A man of many positions...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Your Chelsea team news tonight! 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/parimatchglobal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParimatchGlobal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheBha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CheBha</a> <a href="https://t.co/wPjevIyJnz">pic.twitter.com/wPjevIyJnz</a>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1476259299928252420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">COME ON ALBION! 💪 Here's how we line up against Chelsea in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PremierLeague</a>. 📝 📲 <a href="https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv">https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv</a> ✘ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BHAFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BHAFC</a> 🔵⚪️ <a href="https://t.co/UnnhWhZ812">pic.twitter.com/UnnhWhZ812</a>— Brighton &amp; Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1476259340847927303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Team news: Chelsea vs Brighton

Hello all and welcome back for another day of football.The festive period rolls on with two big games, as Manchester City will have their chance to assert their dominance above the table.City could go as many as nine points clear if they win against Brentford, and Pep Guardiola's side is in incredible form heading into their final game of 2021.Before that, though, Chelsea will kickoff as they look to keep pace with City and Liverpool, the latter of whom lost to Leicester yesterday.The Blues take on Brighton in their final game of 2021 as they sit six points behind league-leaders City as things stand.So sit back and follow along with GOAL throughout what should be another fun day of games!

Welcome to today's Matchday LIVE!

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Matchday LIVE: Chelsea face Brighton as Manchester City take on Brentford | Goal.com South Africa

Follow along with GOAL as two Premier League title contenders take the field in their final matches of 2021