Peter Crouch has scored his first goals for Liverpool in nearly 17 years and he made sure to celebrate accordingly.
Crouch netted the opener for the Liverpool Legends against the Chelsea Legends at Anfield with a trademark header.
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Crouch rose to float a header over Rob Green during the Legends matchCredit: Liverpool TV
Florent Sinama-Pongolle whipped in an inviting cross from the right flank and Crouch towered above to nod home past Rob Green with a looping header.
The 44-year-old couldn’t hide his delight as he celebrated with his teammates and the fans.
He then did the robot dance, a celebration he made iconic during his playing days.
Crouch’s celebration ensured he made good on a pre-match promise.
When asked if he would celebrate with the robot dance if he scored, Crouch said: “Do you know what, I don’t think I’ve thought that far.
“First, I want to get through the game unscathed.
“Secondly, I’d like to get near the goal.
“Third, I’d like to score. And if I do, the robot will be out, no doubt.”
It marked the first time Crouch scored in a Liverpool shirt since April 26 in 2008, when he netted in a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City.
Crouch wasn’t content with one goal against the Chelsea Legends though.
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The 44-year-old whipped out his legendary robot celebrationCredit: Liverpool TV
Mark Gonzalez floated a cross in from the left towards Crouch, who was waiting at the back post.
He tried to head it towards goal but it couldn’t quite get enough power on it.
Luckily the ball fell to his feet and he produced a delightful lob over Green from close range.
Green rolled his back in frustration knowing there was nothing he could do about Crouch’s effort.
Crouch was substituted immediately after his second of the day to a standing ovation.
Crouch’s heroics at Anfield come just over a week after he found himself on the wrong side of a bet on day three at Cheltenham.
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Crouch capped off his afternoon with a delightful lob for his second goalCredit: Liverpool TV
The former England international backed a British horse to win the Stayers’ Hurdle while bookmakers Paddy Power backed an Irish horse to win, with the loser to buy an entire round of Guinness for those in the Guinness Village.
Unfortunately for Crouch, Irish horse Bob Olinger prevailed and meant he had to pay for 1,000 pints of Guinness.
An unruly fan almost incurred the wrath of Dion Dublin during the half-time break of Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup.
Unai Emery‘s side needed less than 60 seconds to open the scoring at Villa Park as Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to keep out Jacob Ramsey’s powerful strike.
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Ramsey got Villa off to a dream start in their FA Cup tie against TottenhamCredit: Getty
Although Heung-Min Son had a golden chance to equalise denied by a superb save by Emi Martinez, the majority of chances in the opening 45 minutes belonged to Villa.
In total, the hosts fired off 11 shots with four on target while Spurs mustered just three overall.
However, Tottenham made it to half time down just one goal thanks to a number of impressive stops from Kinsky.
As is customary, the half-time break led to analysis from the BBC‘s studio panel of ex-Villa striker Dublin, Jermain Defoe and Joe Hart.
But it seemed one supporter decided they would look to steal the limelight during the interval.
The broadcaster’s studio was situated next to the away section at Villa Park and the fan, evidently annoyed at what his team served up inside the first half, let his frustrations known.
As Hart began to speak, a loud banging was heard on the studio glass.
He sat back in his chair and looked unsure what to do, while Defoe and Dublin turned to see who was behind the mischief.
The fan could then be heard yelling: “W******!”
But Dublin eased the tension with a hilarious quip.
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Dublin was ready to have it out with an unruly supporterCredit: BBC
Having beaten the Reds 1-0 in the opening leg, Tottenham were no match for their rivals’ energy in the return leg at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo‘s strike in the 34th minute levelled the tie before a three-goal onslaught in the second-half booked Liverpool a spot in the Carabao Cup final.
Tottenham’s loss also came at the cost of yet another injury after Richarlison was forced off late in the first half.
Things didn’t get any better for Spurs in the second half with Morgan Rogers extending Villa’s lead on 64 minutes when he fired into the roof of the net from close range.
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The loss to Villa meant another chance for Postecoglou to win a trophy for Tottenham was goneCredit: Getty
Mathys Tel netted late on for the visitors to spark a nervy finish, but Villa held on to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in a decade.
Villa also handed out debuts to Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio as the pair entered the contest midway through the second half.
Although neither got on the scoresheet, both showed numerous glimpses of their immense quality and no doubt left the Villa supporters excited for more.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland admitted Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s antics even caught him by surprise.
Sanchez’s questionable positioning proved costly as it allowed Haaland to score the go-ahead goal in City’s 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
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Haaland couldn’t believe his luck when he saw Sanchez in no-man’s-land
City goalkeeper Ederson fired a long ball up the other end of the park in Haaland’s direction.
The Norwegian got the better of Chelsea‘s Trevoh Chalobah as he flicked the ball on and sprinted after it down the right flank.
But what caught Haaland off-guard was the fact Sanchez had come flying off his line in anticipation of the ball.
However, once Haaland gained possession, the Spaniard was caught in no man’s land.
Sanchez got as far as the left corner of his box before being forced to rapidly backpedal as Haaland sat Chalobah down and clipped an effort into the empty net.
The Chelsea goalkeeper smacked the turf in frustration having gift-wrapped the lead for City in the 68th minute.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland confirmed he was surprised at Sanchez’s actions as he walked the panel through his decision-making process.
“Yeah, I thought he was going to go and get it at first because I saw him in my eyesight,” Haaland said.
“But then I quickly saw that he stopped. Then it was about trying to stay calm and put it in the back of the net.”
Haaland also revealed his process for how he out-dueled Chalobah.
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Sanchez had only himself to blame for Haaland’s goalCredit: Getty
“It’s difficult because you have to take the decision right there, what you’re going to do, if you’re going to try to take it (the ball) down or if it’s going to come and pull you down,” Haaland said.
“But I thought there was space in behind so I tried to just let it go because he (Chalobah) didn’t quite go for the ball.
“Then it was about running. Sanchez was mistiming it and the opportunity was there to just shoot it in the back of the net.”
Haaland’s goal took his season tally to 18, one behind Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot.
The 3-1 result was also City’s fourth win in their last five league games as they continue to build some much-needed momentum.
City’s win was also their first over a team with a higher league position since a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on December 4.
Pep Guardiola‘s side had to do it the hard way though having conceded after just three minutes.
New signing Abdukodir Khusanov was behind the nightmare start as his attempt to head the ball back to Ederson lacked power and allowed Nicolas Jackson to swoop in.
Jackson squared the ball to Noni Madueke and he tapped into an empty net to send the travelling Chelsea supporters wild.
Khusanov then picked up a yellow card just minutes later when he mistimed a tackle on Cole Palmer.
But City found the equaliser in the 42nd minute via Josko Gvardiol when he smashed home the rebound after Sanchez had stopped Matheus Nunes‘ initial effort.
Haaland nudged City in front as Phil Foden added the cherry on top three minutes from time.
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Foden sealed the three points in style with his sixth goal in four matchesCredit: Getty
The win helped Guardiola’s side leapfrog Chelsea and go up to fourth on the table with 41 points.
Harvey Elliott set social media abuzz with his celebration against Lille and now we know why.
The 21-year-old scored the winner for Liverpool as they overcame Lille 2-1 to all-but secure top spot and guarantee a place in the Champions League last-16.
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Elliott’s winning strike sparked a curious celebrationCredit: Getty
Elliott’s goal came in the 67th minute when he unleashed a shot from outside the box that took a deflection off of Ngal’ayel Mukau’s foot and flew into the net.
However, the 21-year-old generated more headlines for what he did following his goal.
As he wheeled away to celebrate, Elliott made a talking gesture with his hand before he made a cutting movement across his throat.
Some suspected it was transfer-related given Elliott had been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks.
A switch to Brighton and Borussia Dortmund had been mooted in various reports.
However, Elliott confirmed he has no desire to leave Liverpool any time soon and revealed his celebration was intended to demonstrate that.
When asked by Amazon Prime presenter Gabby Logan what his celebration meant, Elliott responded: “I think it’s pretty clear, to be honest.
“I’m not leaving. I said it in an interview the other day, this is my team. This is my club.
“I’m a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.”
Logan suggested Elliott’s gesture was as if to say ‘shut up’, to which he agreed.
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The 21-year-old has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away
Elliott added he ‘didn’t really see’ much of the speculation surrounding his future and had only learned of it through his friends.
“It’s (speculation) always going to happen in January and especially after being out for a long time and not really playing as much as I’d want to,” Elliott said.
“But, you know, that’s football.”
Elliott’s strike, albeit deflected, against Lille was just his second goal in 12 appearances for Liverpool this term.
The 21-year-old has had a disrupted campaign having sustained a broken foot in September.
As a result of the injury, he has missed 14 games for the Reds.
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Elliott will hope to add more goals to his tally as Liverpool continue to fight on multiple fronts
But when he has been available, Elliott has started just twice.
Those came in a third round FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley and a Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Southampton, in which he scored.
Despite the fierce competition for places in Liverpool’s starting line-up, Elliott confirmed he’d spoken with Reds boss Arne Slot regarding his lack of minutes.
However, he remains upbeat and knows he has to take his chance with both hands whenever an opening in Liverpool’s team emerges.
“We’ve had those conversations but it’s not just me,” Elliott told reporters after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford, where his second-half cameo played a key role in spurring the team on to victory.
“There are other lads in the team who maybe haven’t played as much as they want and are probably doing the same thing.
Liverpool are ‘boring’ to watch despite their winning form claims Jason Cundy
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Elliott has held conversations with Slot over his future but remains keen to fight for his place
“I just have to keep working hard, keep trying to help the team out whenever I’m needed and just wait for my opportunity.
“I don’t expect to come in and play straight away. I want to help my team out as much as I can and the club and give everything I can.”
Liverpool need just a point in their final Champions League league phase match, where they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, on January 29 to confirm top spot of the standings.
Elliott will hope to continue his run of strong performances when Liverpool host Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town on Saturday.
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Liverpool need just a point in their final clash to be sure of finishing top of the league phase of the Champions League
A penny for Roy Keane’s reaction when Taylor Harwood-Bellis nodded home on his England debut against the Republic of Ireland.
Harwood-Bellis came on in the 62nd minute in place of Kyle Walker but did not wait long to make his mark.
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Harwood-Bellis scored England’s fifth and final goal in their 5-0 thumping of the Republic of IrelandCredit: Getty
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Keane had a hilarious reaction to Harwood-Bellis’ goalCredit: Getty
The Southampton defender rose highest to get on the end of an inviting ball from Jude Bellingham at the back post and head it past a despairing Caoimhin Kelleher.
Harwood-Bellis’ goal was England’s fifth and final goal of their emphatic result over a ten-man Ireland that secured the Three Lions’ return to League A in the Nations League.
Keane, who won 67 caps for Ireland during his glittering playing career, was keenly invested in Harwood-Bellis’ performance given the Saints star is his future son-in-law.
Harwood-Bellis got engaged to Keane’s daughter, Leah, earlier this year.
So when the centre-back sent his header past Kelleher, it left Keane somewhat torn.
The Cork native also served up a hilarious response when asked what it meant for Harwood-Bellis and his daughter’s future together.
“Bittersweet to me,” Keane said when asked of his thoughts on Harwood-Bellis’ goal.
When it was pointed out not everyone knew the relation between Harwood-Bellis and Keane, the Manchester United great said: “It’s not done and dusted yet. Things can change quickly in the Keane household.”
Keane’s remark left fellow pundit Ian Wright, and no doubt many viewers watching across the country, in stitches.
Although Keane did add that he should be able to get over Harwood-Bellis’ goal, adding: “It’s good for him to make his debut, he’s a bit of a goal threat. He’s a nice kid, his family have done a really great job. Really nice kid.”
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Harwood-Bellis needed just 17 minutes to get on the scoresheet on his England debutCredit: Rex
Harwood-Bellis and Keane will no doubt have a debrief after the game, as the former opened up on what it’s like to be the future son-in-law of a footballing icon prior to the Greece fixture.
“It’s something that is good, yes, and I take a lot of advice,” Harwood-Bellis said.
Harwood-Bellis was one of eight stars handed their senior England debuts by interim boss Lee Carsley during his six-game stint in charge.
Morgan Rogers, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, Lewis Hall, Curtis Jones, Noni Madueke and Angel Gomes were all trusted to perform for the Three Lions by Carsley.
None of the fresh faces did anything to harm their chances of future England call-ups either as all eyes begin to turn towards the 2026 World Cup.
What is most notable about those handed their debut by Carsley is that they are all aged 24 or under.
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Carsley signed off on his interim stint in styleCredit: Getty
According to Carsley, the main logic behind so many stars earning their first caps was to give incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel more options to choose from when the March international window arrives.
“What we have tried to do is increase the amount of players available to Thomas,” Carsley said.
“It feels like the fans are really connected with the team. They like the fact that it looks younger, it looks energetic, it looks fresh.”
Real Madrid’s discarded wonder boy Martin Odegaard has become Arsenal’s main man, with his £30million fee looking ever more insulting.
Last weekend, he became the first Premier League player since records began in the 2003/04 season to complete 100+ passes [109], create at least five chances [7] and assist multiple goals [2] in the same game as the Gunners trounced West Ham 6-0.
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Odegaard was surplus to requirements at Madrid, and Arsenal have been rewardedCredit: AFP
Not a lot a fuss was made about it, a sign of the progress he’s made, but the silky Norwegian was literally untouchable at the London Stadium.
Odegaard backed that up by unleashing the sweetest of left-footed half-volleys in Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Burnley on Saturday and with 18 months of near flawless attacking midfield wizardry behind him, that level has understandably become the norm.
So, as Arsenal prepare to re-launch their bid for Champions League glory with a last 16 tie at FC Porto this week, live on talkSPORT, I don’t think there can be any argument that Odegaard is now among Europe’s elite. Just like Madrid had hoped, before cashing him in.
Magic numbers
People consistently drool over the magic of Kevin de Bruyne [and I’m not going to argue against the validity of that] but Odegaard is comfortably the Premier League’s next best attacking midfielder.
His numbers speak volumes. No one plying their trade in the world’s strongest division for instance, has created more chances from open play this season. Just ten shy of the 63 he managed last season [the third best in 2022-23] Odegaard has been disgustingly inventive.
Over the course of his Premier League career to date, the 25-year-old is creating a chance once every 37 minutes.
Since the 2003/04 season, Mesut Ozil [every 27 minutes] and Cesc Fabregas [every 32 minutes] are the only Arsenal players who can eclipse that, so he is keeping good company.
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Odegaard sits ahead of some of the best talent for open play chances created
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There is no doubting in the impact the 25-year-old has on the GunnersCredit: Getty
A natural grafter
Prompting Arsenal’s play from a right sided ‘no.8’ berth, his role encompasses far more than just hanging around in pockets of space too.
Arsenal fan Darren Bent loves Bukayo Saka but insists Gunners would have to swap winger for French superstar Kylian Mbappe if given the chance
Involved in everything, Odegaard has carved out a niche as Mikel Arteta’s integral orchestrator, in and out of possession. He is the antithesis of a luxury player, covering an average of 11.8km per 90 minutes.
When inspiring a vital 3-1 success over title rivals Liverpool a fortnight ago he upped the ante in that department, clocking up an eye-watering 12.75km to help get the job done.
Much of Odegaard’s energy is devoted to pressing, he’s an absolute machine when it comes to closing down. He is among the Premier League’s top five central or attacking midfielders at applying ‘pressures’ to their opposite numbers.
Incisive distribution
Pleasingly for his manager that workload doesn’t distract from his day job of laying on quality ammunition.
The Norwegian currently leads the way with five more through balls than any other top-flight player this season.
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Odegaard tops the list for most through balls in the Premier League this season
Performing for a side which is built around fluid, interchangeable movement, Odegaard loves nothing more than delivering a defence-splitting pass for a runner from deep.
Fulfilling potential
Is Arsenal’s skipper world class? Let’s not go there – I’m still recovering from the futile debate Rio Ferdinand created by claiming Bukayo Saka isn’t – but yes, of course he is.
Making goals, scoring goals, controlling high-level matches with his quality and decision-making, he is seriously good.
It is fast approaching nine years now since Carlo Ancelotti made him the youngest La Liga debutant in Los Blancos’ history at the age of just 16 years and 157 days.
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The Norwegian arrived in Madrid with tonnes of potential but wasn’t able to fulfil itCredit: Getty
At the time he was already a full international with Norway, having made his pro debut for Stromsgodset the year before, just 118 days after turning 15. Odegaard was considered a generational talent with the world at his feet, but time was not afforded to the teenager.
Swallowed up by Real’s thirst for instant glory, he waited 679 days for his first start, in the Copa del Rey, and not long after that, with no chance of being used regularly, Odegaard jumped on the loan carousel.
Spells with Heerenveen, Vitesse and Real Sociedad saw incremental progress, enough for Zinedine Zidane to start using him at the outset of 2020-21.
But aged 22, and yet to establish himself at Madrid, the Spaniards were happy to do a deal when Arsenal pounced three years ago. First for a loan move, and then for a permanent transfer.
Captain material
Fast forward to 2024 and Odegaard is no longer a boy; instead, he is a leader of men.
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Now at Arsenal, he has proven himself as a worthy leader for the title challengersCredit: Getty
Determined but calm, his captaincy is built around setting a perfect example to others, and it’s a role that suits his personality and the culture Arteta has carefully created.
Comfortable with the armband, he has clarity in his decision making too. Knowing Kai Havertz needed a goal to boost his confidence he handed the German the ball for a ‘sympathy penalty’ at Bournemouth. From then on, he’s been a different player.
In the wake of a Jorginho spot kick miss for his country, he also gave the Italian a chance to bury that memory by letting him take a penalty against Lens. Thoughtful and bold, he seems to have a feel for what’s needed in the group.
He gets the fans too. Often an in-game cheerleader, he is always the last to leave the field at the end of a game, win or lose, thanking them for their support.
Finding a home
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Odegaard has become a hugely trusted figure for Arsenal and ArtetaCredit: Getty
Looking back, while you can’t blame Madrid for diving in to land the world’s most coveted teenager in 2014, it was a move that proved too much, too soon for both parties.
Odegaard’s development was a long-term project that required patience to bear fruit, but while feasting at the top table of European football the Spanish giants were understandably distracted by more immediate priorities.
In football sometimes you have to let a promising young player go, in order for them to blossom, and to their credit Arsenal timed their move to perfection.
To the sound of darts anthem, ‘Chase The Sun’, Gunners fans love to sing about their skipper and how when he’s on the ball he’s f*****g magical, and they’re not wrong.
Arsenal hit the bullseye with Odegaard. Growing alongside the team he captains, the north Londoners can now compete with anyone, on the biggest stage.
Douglas Luiz’s equaliser against Manchester United has been hailed as ‘totally unhinged’ on Sunday afternoon.
The Aston Villa star cancelled out Rasmus Hojlund‘s earlier strike by reacting quickest to the ball pinballing around the United box to divert home Leon Bailey’s cross.
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Douglas Luiz scored the equaliser for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
And the Brazilian immediately pulled out a bizarre celebration, shaking his chest in front of Andre Onana and Raphael Varane in a move known as ‘the shimmy’.
While United fans were left perplexed, rival supporters absolutely loved it.
One took to social media site X to say: “Celebration for the ages from Douglas Luiz. Totally unhinged Barclay’s behaviour.”
Another wrote: “Loving that celeb from Douglas Luiz.”
And a third put: “Douglas Luiz with some magnificent s***housing of Raphael Varane. Neal Maupay eat your heart out.”
Hojlund had struck earlier in the contest to continue his remarkable run of form in front of goal.
He latched onto Harry Maguire‘s header from a corner to score in a fifth consecutive Premier League match, making him the second-youngest player to do so at 21 years and seven days behind Nicolas Anelka.
Villa had looked in fine fettle, though, and fully deserved their equaliser when Luiz scored.
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Villa’s celebrations were muted soon after, though, as McTominay scored the winner
But while the former Manchester City star pulled out quite the celebration, it did not last long.
That was because Scott McTominay popped up with a late winner by planting a header past Emi Martinez.
It was his seventh goal of the season in the Premier League, giving the Red Devils all three points at Villa Park.
It puts United five points behind Unai Emery’s men in the race for the top four.
And it was also a brilliant result for Erik ten Hag to do away with the early season pressure when United were struggling.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s scissor-kick goal helped Arsenal to victory after they were pegged back by a controversial goal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Ukraine international’s fine strike was compared to Premier League legend Paolo Di Canio, whose famous volley against Wimbledon has gone down in history.
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Zinchenko scored a goal reminiscent of Di Canio’s in 2000
Leandro Trossard took one for the team to open the scoring for the Gunners, Josh Brownhill netted an equaliser after half-time but there were question marks over whether there was a foul in the build-up.
Mikel Arteta was fuming on the sidelines but was cheering minutes later when William Saliba scored a header from a corner to put Arsenal back ahead.
And Zinchenko’s strike put the game to bed, though a late red card from Fabio Vieira gave the Gunners a late scare.
Fans could not believe what they had seen with one saying: “Did Zinchenko just pull a Di Canio out the bag?”
Another wrote: “Zinchenko just went full Paulo Di Canio to score a worldie against Burnley!”
While a third posted: “Zinchenko channeling his inner Di Canio.”
Trossard had scored Arsenal’s opening goal just before half-time, the club’s 1,000th at the Emirates.
However, the Belgian hurt himself after clattering into the post and injuring his shoulder, though he was okay to continue.
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Brownhill had equalised for Burnley but VAR could have chalked it offCredit: Getty
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Arsenal fumed at the decision to allow the goalCredit: Getty
Burnley struck soon after half-time, just their ninth goal in the Premier League, when Brownhill’s deflected effort beat David Raya.
That was despite VAR checking a possible foul from Luca Koleosho, who had trampled over Takehiro Tomiyasu in the process.
While TV replays showed that Arsenal might have had a case, VAR and on-field referee Michael Oliver ruled there was no infringement and the goal stood.
It comes a week after Arteta fumed at VAR, branding it a ‘disgrace’ and ’embarrassing’ after Newcastle beat the Gunners last Saturday.
Anthony Gordon netted a controversial winner after VAR checked three times, including whether the ball went out of play, a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes and offside.
But VAR decided there was no clear evidence to overturn the goal and so it stood, leading to Arsenal’s first defeat of the season in the Premier League.
Vieira was shown a late red card during the contest after a high challenge on Brownhill.
Referee Oliver gave no second thoughts as he immediately sent off the Portugal international, who did not complain and seemed apologetic.
Declan Rice sparked an Arsenal comeback by taking full advantage of a moment of madness from Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were cruising in the second-half against Arsenal after goals from Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk gave them a 2-0 lead.
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Rice netted a brilliant strike after Sanchez gave him the ball straight awayCredit: Getty
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Trossard then equalised seven minutes laterCredit: Getty
But a shocking error from Sanchez saw the Spaniard give the ball straight to Rice while he was off his line.
And the Arsenal star did not waste a moment to capitalise, executing a brilliant effort that sailed into the top corner.
The goal seemed to kick the Gunners back into life as they went up another gear, scoring the equaliser moments later.
Leandro Trossard netted his first of the season after coming off the bench, converting Bukayo Saka’s cross brilliantly at the back-post after ghosting unmarked into the box.
It came just seven minutes after Rice had grabbed an equaliser against the run of play.
Prior to the England international’s effort, Arsenal had not had a single shot on target.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men had done a fine job kettling in the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Saka.
But Mikel Arteta made crucial changes, including that of the Trossard who got the equaliser.
The arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu for Oleksandr Zinchenko at half-time with the full-back struggling was also a massive decision that proved the right one.
Pochettino, on the other hand, lost his attacking bite when Raheem Sterling, Mudryk and Palmer went off.
The 2-2 draw meant that Chelsea went to ninth before Manchester United’s match against Sheffield United.
Arsenal, meanwhile, stayed in second and remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
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Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk caught David Raya out with a wayward cross to score an outrageous goal against Arsenal.
The hosts went two up early into the second-half at Stamford Bridge through Mudryk, who nearly signed for Arsenal in January, but the Gunners fired back late on to rescue a 2-2 draw.
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Mudryk was over the moon to score against ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Raya was caught off his line by Mudryk’s crossCredit: Getty
It was a flukey strike from the Ukraine international, who looked to whip in a cross from the left-hand side with Raya inexplicably off his line, looking for a teammate in the box.
But, instead, the ball sailed over the goalkeeper’s head and into the corner to lift the roof at Stamford Bridge.
It’s a moment that will raise some questions over the Arsenal glovesman, who is currently locked in a battle with Aaron Ramsdale over the No.1 shirt.
Mudryk’s goal came at a crucial time for Chelsea, who took the lead through Cole Palmer in the first-half.
The 21-year-old scored from the penalty spot with Mudryk also involved when his header was adjudged to have been handballed by William Saliba.
While there was ultimately disappointment for Chelsea, who threw away their two-goal lead to draw after late goals from Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, for Mudryk it is yet another step in the right direction after a tough start to life in the Premier League following his move in January.
His goal against Arsenal is his second of the season, grabbing his first-ever strike for Chelsea against Fulham earlier this month.
The 22-year-old was on the brink of signing for the Gunners in January after being extensively scouted.
However, the Blues stole in out of seemingly nowhere to land the Ukrainian ahead of their London rivals.
In a deal worth up to £88million, much was expected of the winger but he failed to score once in a torrid season for Chelsea that saw them finish 11th.
But it has been a different story this season after the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as manager, who appears to be working wonders with him.
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