Matchday LIVE: Liverpool defeat Newcastle while Chelsea held by Everton

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD THUNDERBOLT 🤯 WHAT A HIT!!! <a href="https://t.co/dw8bBPFPmN">pic.twitter.com/dw8bBPFPmN</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1471599296822792199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD OH MY 🚀 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacocktv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacockTV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVNEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVNEW</a> <a href="https://t.co/teiNEipYlM">pic.twitter.com/teiNEipYlM</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1471597831773372418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Alexander-Arnold scores a stunner to make it 3-1

What a strike from the Liverpool defender!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Everton pull level at Stamford Bridge and it's a dream moment for Jarrad Branthwaite, his first goal for the Toffees! A peach of a delivery from Anthony Gordon 🍑 <a href="https://t.co/OnUstRwi1K">pic.twitter.com/OnUstRwi1K</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1471591155141910534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jarrad Branthwaite signed a new contract earlier this week. Now the youngster is scoring at Stamford Bridge! The match is level at 1-1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEEVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEEVE</a> <a href="https://t.co/422nd6zX0z">pic.twitter.com/422nd6zX0z</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1471591286205472773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Branthwaite levels for Everton

The teenager only signed a new contract last week!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mason Mount scores for his fourth game in a row! Chelsea lead 1-0. 📺: NBCSN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEEVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEEVE</a> <a href="https://t.co/nqryjg6kob">pic.twitter.com/nqryjg6kob</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1471589847576068096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mason Mount scores for the fourth Premier League game in a row 🔥 A big, big goal when Chelsea really needed it! <a href="https://t.co/b3Uzegke21">pic.twitter.com/b3Uzegke21</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1471589718710181891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Mount opens the scoring for Chelsea

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Was always going to be him 🤗 Mo Salah gives Liverpool the lead after Sadio Mané's was saved by Dúbravka 🙌 Another goal, another record for the Egyptian 👏 <a href="https://t.co/kawB5aNOiX">pic.twitter.com/kawB5aNOiX</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1471580050579468298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That man Mo Salah has scored yet again. Liverpool lead 2-1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVNEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVNEW</a> <a href="https://t.co/vQgofOw57e">pic.twitter.com/vQgofOw57e</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1471578493989396488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Salah puts Liverpool in front

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JONJO SHELVEY Newcastle take a shocking 1-0 lead thanks to this long range strike by Shelvey! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacocktv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacockTV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVNEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVNEW</a> <a href="https://t.co/LTWIFFpU8v">pic.twitter.com/LTWIFFpU8v</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1471576382543220744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JONJO SHELVEY! 🤩💥 The long-range specialist whips it into the bottom corner from outside the box against his old club! <a href="https://t.co/4jVHRA9DuQ">pic.twitter.com/4jVHRA9DuQ</a>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1471574787726233602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Shelvey gives Newcastle the lead at Liverpool

That's all from GOAL's matchday blog on a night where Liverpool maintained their title charge while Chelsea stumbled against a determined Everton.There are sure to be plenty more twists and turns to come in the next few months.Until next time, goodbye! <a href="https://emojipedia.org/waving-hand/">👋</a>

Farewell!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Liverpool become the first English side in history to win 2,000 top-flight games ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/NEaF2hxWtZ">pic.twitter.com/NEaF2hxWtZ</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1471598973064552459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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2,000 up for the Reds

This was a lot more fun than most would have expected.The world may be an uncertain place at the moment, but there are some things you absolutely can rely on.And Mohamed Salah is right at the top of that list.The Liverpool star was at it again on Thursday, setting more records as the Reds beat Newcastle at Anfield to record an eighth-successive win in all competitions.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/liverpool-salah-special-alexander-arnold-stunner-keeps-reds/blt8aef67fdb14eef38" target="_blank">Read the match report from GOAL's Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones.</a>

Bank on Liverpool! 

Everton boss Rafael Benitez was full of praise of the spirit and determination shown by his side, who overcame a host of injury and illness absentees to earn a battling point.He told BT Sport:&nbsp;"The gameplan is always there and it depends on the players. The players, fans all together, 'the spirit of the Blues' as they say, the issues with senior players not available, so we needed spirit, commitment and intensity against a good team. Really pleased and a good point."On Everton's equaliser: "We were practicing the set-pieces and Jarrad Branthwaite did well. Jonjoe Kenny was working so hard and everyone was giving everything. We suffered a bit more today so against a good team we did what we had to do."100% every single player on the pitch was making a contribution for the gameplan. At the end everyone was delighted. When players are not playing, the rest of the team are happy for them too."Great character shown, we are coming back in a lot of games. The way they worked we deserved something. We have had too much bad luck with injuries. The reaction of the team was fantastic."

Benitez praises Everton 'character'

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel the 1-1 draw against Everton was "hard to swallow" after his side dominated possession but failed to take all three points.He told BT Sport:&nbsp;"Yes, of course [it is frustrating] to give away another lead. If we see the effort we bring in a match like this, the effort we need to score one goal and the effort the opponent needs to score an equaliser - it is hard to swallow."We missed big chances to get the result in the first half and second half we did not find the rhythm consistently and tried to bring on some energy from the bench, but it was hard. We had the lead and give it away with one free-kick."Football is almost never like one reason why things go this way, but one big reason is for sure the chances we missed today. We could have been two or three up and were playing with fire. It is obvious we missed a lot of players, big personalities, regular starters, but we will not use it as an excuse."

'We gave it away'

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was understandably thrilled after his first Toffees goal earned them a point at Stamford Bridge.The 19-year-old, who only signed a new three-and-a-half year contract last week, told BT Sport: "I can't put it into words, I am buzzing, playing for this club, it means the world and for the those fans, travelling on a Thursday night to come and watch us, we put on a performance for them and I am buzzing - getting a result at a top team like they are."We worked on it [set pieces] in training yesterday, I got a few chances round the back, and I said to Anthony Gordon before the game just to keep delivering those balls in. When it was coming in I was like 'right, I better score here...'."When I signed the contract the other day my family said just remember how far you have come - in the space of two years I was playing League Two with Carlisle, the side I joined when I was eight, and now I am playing in the Premier League."

Branthwaite 'buzzing' after first Everton goal

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">23 total shots, 1 goal for Chelsea against Everton 😔 <a href="https://t.co/GS0cLjT1MQ">pic.twitter.com/GS0cLjT1MQ</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1471595977249550336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tuchel is not happy

OH MY WORD!What a goal that is by Trent Alexander-Arnold!The Reds full-back rolled the ball a few yards in front of him before firing in an absolute thunderbolt beyond Martin Dubravka from outside the area!!That's the points wrapped up for Jurgen Klopp's side!

Goal: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle

Another twist in the title race as Chelsea are held by Everton!Thomas Tuchel's side dominated possession but struggled to create many clear-cut chances against a well-drilled Toffees side.Mason Mount found the breakthrough on 70 minutes but Jarrad Branthwaite's first Everton goal levelled the match just four minutes later.It was an off-day for the Londoners, but credit has to go to Rafael Benitez's side, who were severely depleated because injury and illness but battled their way to a deserved point.

FT: Chelsea 1-1 Everton

FIVE minutes will be added on.Can either side snatch a late winner?!

Into stoppage-time at Stamford Bridge

And it's Mohamed Salah who is coming off. He doesn't lookinjured so It's likely with the busy Christmas period in mind. Roberto Firmino is on for him.Naby Keita also replaces Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.Liverpool lead going into the last 15 minutes.

Subs for Liverpool

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">19 - Only Arsenal (20) have had more different teenage goalscorers in the Premier League than Everton, with Jarrad Branthwaite the 19th to do so for the Toffees. Kicks. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEEVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEEVE</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1471591180894933008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Teenage kicks

The Toffees are level!!Anthony Gordon whips in a dangerous free-kick from the left and Jarrad Branthwaite manages to get an outstretched boot on the ball and force it beyond Mendy!!It's his first ever goal for Everton!!

Goal: Chelsea 1-1 Everton

Relief at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea make the breakthrough!It stemmed from an Everton mistake. Abdoulaye Doucoure led a Toffees counter but conceded possession cheaply and Chelsea were able to steam forward.Reece James then played it through for Mason Mount, who fired beyond Jordan Pickford into his near post.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MASEEEE! 💙 1-0 🍬 [70'] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheEve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CheEve</a> <a href="https://t.co/DALz2ttAes">pic.twitter.com/DALz2ttAes</a>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1471589528167190540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Goal! Chelsea 1-0 Everton 

Changes for both teams!Saul Niguez and former Toffee Ross Barkley are on for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marcos Alonso.Everton teenager Lewis Dobbin replaces Ellis Smmis, who worked hard on his debut despite feeding off scraps.

Substitution time

We are back under way at Anfield too!

Kick-off: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

Chelsea have enjoyed 80% of the possession but have yet to break Everton down. Rafa Benitez's side are sitting deep and looking hit on the counter and it is working so far.A few nerves starting to creep in at Stamford Bridge. They cannot really afford to drop points here.

Everton digging in

The second half is under way at Stamford Bridge!

Kick-off: Chelsea 0-0 Everton

An entertaining first half comes to a close at Anfield.Newcastle were celebrating early on after Jonjo Shelvey's fizzing effort, but quickfire goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in front.Jurgen Klopp's side moving to within a point of leaders Manchester City as it stands.

HT: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mohamed Salah has now scored or assisted in 15 consecutive Premier League games, equalling the all-time record set by Jamie Vardy 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/8aoYzE2UZ1">pic.twitter.com/8aoYzE2UZ1</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1471578144889090054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Egyptian 👑

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">24 - Mohamed Salah has 24 Premier League goal involvements this season (15 goals, 9 assists) - in Premier League history, only <a href="https://twitter.com/alanshearer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alanshearer</a> in 1994-95 has registered more before Christmas in a single campaign (25 - 16 goals, 9 assists). Cheer. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVNEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVNEW</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1471578840266858508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Magic Mo!

That's the whistle at the Bridge.Chelsea have dominated possession but have yet to find the breakthrough. A dogged and determined performance from a depleated Everton side so far.

Half-time: Chelsea 0-0 Everton

Liverpool have turned it around and it's who else but Mohamed Salah!Sadio Mane seized on a loose backpass from Jonjo Shelvey, his effort is saved by Dubravka but Salah is on hand to slam home the rebound!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">YES, MO!!!!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/RVAyfiJN6J">pic.twitter.com/RVAyfiJN6J</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1471577081448472578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Goal: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

Liverpool are level - but Newcastle are furious!Diogo Jota saw his inital header saved by Martin Dubravka but buries the rebound. However, there was a newcastle player down holding his head in the penalty area. Looks like there had been a collision between two Newcastle players from a corner moments earlier. The referee played on though and the goal stands!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DIIIIIOOOOOOOOGGGGOOOOOOO!!!! <a href="https://t.co/OMsJQCHmSi">pic.twitter.com/OMsJQCHmSi</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1471576008256016384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Goal: Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

It's still goalless at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea are well on top. They have had 76% possession and have had 10 shots at goal compared to Everton's one.The Toffees are still holding firm though - for now.

Chelsea on top

Oh dear. Newcastle defender Jamaal Lewis pulled up running onto a pass down the Liverpool right. Looks like a hamstring.He cannot continues and limps off the pitch, with Matt Ritchie coming on in his place.

Injury blow for Newcastle

Hello, what do we have here? Newcastle lead - and it's the former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey.Shelvey collected the ball 25 yards out and fired in a fizzing drive that swerved past a bamboozled Alisson!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHAT A FINISH FROM JONJO SHELVEY!!!!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/YrZCGh0Ypl">pic.twitter.com/YrZCGh0Ypl</a>— Newcastle United (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1471572605144547330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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GOAL: Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1' - Underway at Anfield...UP THE REDS! 🔴 [0-0]<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVNEW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVNEW</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1471570850344230914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Kick-off: Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

Oooh, what a chance for Chelsea!Reece James gets in behind the Everton defence but fires wide from eight yards. Moments later, Mason Mount drills wide from a tight angle after a mazy James run.Chelsea are cutting through Everton at will.This could be a long night for the Toffees.

Let off for Everton!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">26 - Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 26 Premier League home games against Everton (W15 D11) since a 1-0 loss in November 1994. Stronghold. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEEVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEEVE</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1471563077409771522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Everton do not have history on their side

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Up the Chels! 💪 💙 0-0 🍬 [1'] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheEve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CheEve</a>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1471567105367719940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The two teams are taking to the field at Stamford Bridge.Remember a Chelsea win will move them to within two points of leaders Manchester City.

Here we go!

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and the injured Ben Chilwell are the four players to test positive for Covid-19.It was revealed earlier today that the club had suffered a further three positive tests to go with Mateo Kovacic, who is currently self-isolating.Everton have been decimated by injury and illness with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Andros Townsend, Yerry Mina, Tom Davies, Fabian Delph, Demarai Gray and Lucas Digne all absent.That had forced Rafa Benitez to turn to youth, with 20-year-old Ellis Simms making his full debut up front. Fellow academy graduate Anthony Gordon and 19-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite also come into the side.

Tuchel confirms Covid cases, Toffees decimated

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴 How we line up for tonight’s meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NUFC</a> in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PremierLeague</a>:— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1471555778087686146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠-𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨 HWTL! ⚫️⚪️ <a href="https://t.co/sJKxGzld1I">pic.twitter.com/sJKxGzld1I</a>— Newcastle United (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1471555754352156683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Team news: Liverpool v Newcastle

Van Dijk, Fabinho and Jones test positive for Covid

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Your Chelsea team news! 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/parimatchglobal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParimatchGlobal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheEve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CheEve</a>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1471551990194974721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tonight's Toffees for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEEVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEEVE</a>! 🔵 <a href="https://t.co/J6hO7R6I1q">pic.twitter.com/J6hO7R6I1q</a>— Everton (@Everton) <a href="https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1471551981152002048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Team news: Chelsea v Everton

Let's start with the formailities, here's tonight's fixtures (all times GMT):<ul><li>Chelsea v Everton (19:45)</li><li>Liverpool v Newcastle (20:00)</li></ul>Leicester's match against Brighton was also scheduled to take place this evening but has become the latest match to be postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak.There have also been a further four games due to take place this weekend that have been postponed, in addition to Manchester United's game against Brighton that had already been cancelled earlier today.For details of all the Premier League matches that have been cancelled due to Covid, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/which-premier-league-games-have-been-cancelled-due-to-covid/bltcb67043edd288445" target="_blank">head over here.</a>

Tonight's fixtures

We go again.Welcome to Thursday's edition of the GOAL matchday blog. The Premier League takes centre stage this evening as title challengers Chelsea and Liverpool look to keep pace with Manchester City.Let's dive straight in!

Welcome to today's Matchday Blog!

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Follow along with GOAL throughout Thursday&apos;s Premier League matches