Thursday’s briefing: Arsenal enjoy boost in title race without kicking a ball

There was an action-packed night of Premier League action where Arsenal had a productive night in the title race, without even playing.

There was sad news with the death of Martin Chivers and a cancer diagnosis for Kevin Keegan.

Fletcher to stay in charge

Darren Fletcher confirmed he had been asked to take charge of Manchester United for their FA Cup match against Brighton.

The former United midfielder began his reign as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s sacking with a 2-2 draw at Burnley, where fans sang the names of both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick – the two leading contenders to take charge for the rest of the season.

“I’ve been informed they’d like me to take the team for Sunday,” he said.

“There was a feeling that might have been the case from Monday, but we wanted to focus on Burnley. But yes, I’m tasked with leading the team on Sunday, so all my focus and energy goes to that now.”

City falter as pressure rises on Frank

Manchester City stumbled in their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton, which leaves the Gunners with the chance to open up an eight-point lead on Thursday.

The pressure is rising for ailing Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, who saw his side lose 3-2 against Bournemouth, where Antoine Semenyo gave the perfect leaving gift with a last-gasp winner. It was a humiliating night for Frank as he was pictured drinking from a cup with Arsenal’s club badge on it.

On an exciting night in the Premier League, Newcastle won a seven-goal thriller, Chelsea lost at Fulham under the watching eye of new boss Liam Rosenior, Brentford beat Sunderland, Everton drew with Wolves and there was a goalless draw between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Keegan receives cancer diagnosis

Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

King Kev. We're with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery 🙏🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/yLVSJWMrKf

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2026

Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 74-year-old was recently admitted to hospital after presenting abdominal symptoms and tests have shown he has the disease for which he is undergoing treatment.

A statement from Keegan’s family, shared by Newcastle, read: “Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.”

Hugo worry for Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike is a major doubt for Thursday’s big Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Reds forward missed the 2-2 draw against Fulham at the weekend because of a minor hamstring problem and has not yet returned to training.

Manager Arne Slot said: “He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can.

“I have said two or three days ago that he is not going to be out for long but, because games come so fast, he’s in between training with the team or it could take him one or two days extra.”

Chivers dies aged 88

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.

Our players will wear black armbands during this evening’s… pic.twitter.com/pJQkfRoOaQ

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 7, 2026

Former Tottenham and England forward Martin Chivers has died aged 80.

Chivers led the attack for Bill Nicholson’s Spurs side from the early 1970s, winning the League Cup twice as well as enjoying UEFA Cup success.

A statement from Tottenham read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker Martin Chivers.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.”

What’s on today?

Arsenal could go a massive eight points clear at the top of the Premier League if they can beat Liverpool at the Emirates.