The big news: Chelsea finally lose

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte backed Tottenham to pose a challenge for the Premier League title after they ended his side’s 13-game winning run with a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane, reported BBC. Dele Alli scored a brace as Chelsea lost their first game since September and lifted Spurs seven points behind them in third spot. Spurs have been unbeaten at home this season and manager Mauricio Pochettino said that consistency will be the key to success at the top of the table.

Conte had not seen his side drop points in 101 days since a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal and was satisfied with his team being five points clear at the top after 20 games. “We knew that defeat could happen before the game,” he said. “It is a pity to stop this run, but Tottenham fought last season and they can fight also this year. Don’t forget we lost to a good team. They are one of the six teams who can fight for the title.”

Other top stories

  1. India clinched their fourth straight SAFF Women’s Championship title as they beat Bangladesh 3-1 in Siliguri on Wednesday. Dangmei Grace, Sasmita Malik and Indumati Kathiresan scored for India to power them to an enthralling win.
  2. Sunderland have rejected West Ham’s £6-million (Rs 50.2 crore) bid for striker Jermain Defoe. However, the Hammers will raise their offer after the rejection, according to reports. Defoe has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances and in all likelihood take the switch if he gets the chance. 
  3. West Ham’s Sofiane Feghouli’s red card has been rescinded by the Football Association. The midfielder was sent off by referee Mike Dean for a challenge on Manchester United defender Phil Jones 15 minutes into a match the Hammers lost 2-0.   
  4. Real Madrid extended their unbeaten run to 38 games with a 3-0 victory over Sevilla in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie at the Bernabeu. James Rodriguez scored twice as Raphael Varne was on target to give Real an easy win.        
  5. Everton striker Yannick Bolasie could be out for a year with a knee injury, said manager Ronald Koeman. Bolasie injured his right knee during their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 4. Koeman said, “It will be around 11-12 months before he is back. That is a big disappointment but he will come back.”