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James McCarthy completed eighty six minutes for Everton who went down to a two one defeat against local rivals Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield this Friday evening. Also in cup action were Derby County duo Richard Keogh and Alex Pearce whose side went down to a two nil defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Having both been in action on Tuesday evening, it is likely that Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were less than delighted to have to face each other in the Premier League at Wembley Stadium this Thursday evening. Young Declan Rice, who saw less than twenty minutes of substitute action against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, was in the starting eleven as the sides played out a one all draw.

Shane Long scored his first Southampton goal in eleven months at St Marys Stadium this evening but it was not enough as visitors Crystal Palace scored twice late on for victory. Young Declan Rice was introduced from the West Ham United bench on seventy six minutes as his side recovered from a thirtieth minute goal from James McClean for visitors West Bromwich Albion to secure a two one victory.

Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers with Matt Doherty in fine form, defeated Brentford by three goals to nil at Molineaux this Tuesday evening to extend their lead at the summit. Reading captain Paul McShane started with Liam Kelly a seventy fourth minute substitute as their side went down to a two nil defeat by visitors Birmingham City.

South Coast rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth kick-started the New Year in the Premier League with a 12.30pm meeing at the Amex Stadium. Chris Hughtons’ hosts had Shane Duffy in central defence while the visiting ‘Cherries’ had Harry Arter back in their starting eleven as the sides played out a two all draw. Jeff Hendrick started for Burnley with Kevin Long and Jonathan Walters unused on the bench for the two one defeat by visitors Liverpool at Turf Moor while Newcastle United had Ciaran Clark in their starting eleven but Rob Elliot remained an injury absentee for the one nil victory at struggliong Stoke City. In the late kick-off, James McCarthy was introduced from the Everton bench on sixty two minutes and made a significant impact despite their two nil defeat by Manchester United.

The Championship continued in the New Year with promotion challengers Aston Villa crushing visitors Bristol City by five goals to nil in the late Villa Park kick-off this afternoon. Conor Hourihane and Scott Hogan both started and scored for the victors. Second place Derby County (Richard Keogh) were held to a one all draw by visitors Sheffield United (Enda Stevens, Samir Carruthers) while Preston North End (Daryl Horgan) went down to a three two home defeat by Middlesbrough (Darren Randolph, Cyrus Christie) at Deepdale. Sunderland (John O’Shea, Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady) also went down to a one nil home defeat by Barnsley at the Stadium of Light.

The Premier League continued on Sunday afternoon with West Bromwich Albion scoring a hotly contested penalty in added time to earn a one all draw with visitors Arsenal at the Hawthorns. James McClean was introduced from the bench on seventy two minutes and the Arsenal goal has been credited to him following a significant deflection of a Sanchez free kick.