Cole Palmer fired Chelsea to a 1-0 win against west London rivals Fulham on Saturday as the inconsistent Blues bounced back from their League Cup embarrassment at Middlesbrough.

Unlike most other European leagues where clubs get a sizeable chunk of time off around December and January, the Premier League churns on in relentless fashion.

Ange Postecoglou said Timo Werner's disappointing spell with Chelsea is not a concern after Tottenham brought the Germany forward back to the Premier League.

 Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne used his time away from soccer during to a post-operation recovery period to reconnect with his family, the midfielder said after his first game back on Sunday.

With the Premier League taking a week-long break following a jam-packed festive season schedule, attention has turned to the English FA Cup, with a headline fixture third round fixture between record 14-time winner Arsenal and eight-time champions Liverpool today at the Emirates Stadium. 

Mauricio Pochettino has challenged inconsistent Chelsea to use the FA Cup as a route into Europe as they prepare for Saturday's third-round tie against Preston.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp joked Friday that he is not wishing Mohamed Salah too much luck at the Africa Cup of Nations as he prepares for a crucial spell of games without his top scorer.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said Son Heung-min's departure for the Asian Cup is a "big loss" as he urged his side to make up for the South Korean's untimely absence.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank said only an "unbelievable" offer would persuade the club to consider selling England striker Ivan Toney during the January transfer window.

Erik ten Hag said he held "very positive" talks with Jim Ratcliffe when the under-fire Manchester United boss met the club's new minority stakeholder this week.

All six goals at Anfield arrived in the second half as Salah opened the floodgates with a simple tap in for his 150th Premier League goal for the Reds.

Tottenham Hotspur brought resurgent Bournemouth down to earth with a flattering 3-1 Premier League victory thanks to goals by Pape Matar Sarr, Son Heung-min and Richarlison on Sunday.

Arsenal cannot afford to repeat the performance that led to Sunday's 2-1 loss at Fulham if they want to fight for the Premier League title, manager Mikel Arteta said.

Erik ten Hag slammed his Manchester United flops after Saturday's dismal 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest condemned the troubled club to their worst start to a season since 1930.

"Everyone is so happy, we need to enjoy the moment," said Luiz.

Goals by Rodri and Julian Alvarez in each half barely did justice to City's dominance as they enjoyed 84% possession in a routine win that at times resembled a training session.

After his side's first win in four Premier League games, De Zerbi, now one of the most respected coaches in Europe, was at pains to point out the size of the club's achievements.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners were top of the tree at Christmas for a second successive year but trail leaders Liverpool by two points at the halfway point of the season.

The Stamford Bridge sound system blared the old disco hit "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" after Chelsea's hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but momentum is still sorely lacking for Mauricio Pochettino's team.

Elsewhere, Chelsea's Noni Madueke scored a late winner from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace to lift spirits at Stamford Bridge after a miserable 2023 while Wolves hammered fast-sinking Brentford 4-1.