Manchester City

Manchester City defender John Stones to PLP: "I don't really know what to say. I feel like we've lost two points. That's football. We controlled the game for the majority of the time and had a lot of chances but couldn't seem to get that goal.

"It's difficult to take after the game. We showed great character to keep fighting and pushing. It was a bit of a scrappy game.

"I'm very pleased with how we played. The result doesn't reflect that. When the game is so disrupted, a lot of time-wasting, that was part of the plan and we had to deal with that. We did and kept creating chances but it didn't come off. We have to take the positives.

"We had to go for it after that and go for as many players high up the pitch as possible. We definitely did that and had some great chances to win the game at the end. At the other end, it gets overshadowed how we defended.

"We conceded two shots all game but it's overlooked because of that incredible goal. On reflection we'll be more positive when we look back I'm sure."

It is early - very early - but Arsenal look fired up for this. They are chasing and harassing every Brighton player as soon as they get the ball.

Off we go with the final Premier League game of 2022.

Will Arsenal make the most of Manchester City's stumble earlier today?

Slight delay to kick off here because the fourth official has communication problems apparently.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC One

It was an fantastic strike [from Demarai Gray]. It was a great overlapping run that sort of created the space for him inside. He had a little slip but he then picked his spot and the keeper had no chance.

Leeds United

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch: "We talked a lot during the World Cup break about defending better. Both with our tactics and our mentality.

"It wasn't the best performance from us but I think it is a tough place to play in against a good team and to come away with a clean sheet is a major positive for us."

Here's two teams who are very happy with their season so far and that happiness and optimism is reflected by the atmosphere in the stands as the players come out.

Brighton can move up a place into seventh with a win, while Arsenal know victory will be huge in the title race.

Image source, Getty Images

Anonymous: So much nonsense written about Frank Lampard. A lot of the problems he faces at Everton are years in the making before him. He has a net spend that’s 8 times less than Moyes & West Ham below him! Deserves time to get it right.

Fulham

Fulham manager Marco Silva: "It is a great, great three points for us. They came with a low block to try and control our game and they were waiting on the counter. I think we deserved the three points even if we didn’t play at our best level. Sometimes, at this level, you have to win matches without playing well.

"We work really hard on set-pieces at this club. It isn’t the first time and I’m sure with good takers and players I’m sure it won’t be the last.

"Remaining in the Premier League is the target still, we have to be realistic when we are playing teams of this level. We have not achieved anything yet and we have to keep working hard.

"It has been a special 2022 for us as a football club. To win the Championship title last season in that style and to grow as a team is really special. We are performing at a really high level, but we have to be really strong in the second half of the season."

Dion Dublin
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's going to be difficult but I do believe that sometimes players like the pressure of having to do it. Eddie now has to go into that number nine area and have to score the goals. My only worry for Arsenal is if something happens to Eddie, he gets injured who's going to play that number nine role.

A win at Brighton is certainly easier said than done for Arsenal.

The Seagulls have won their last two meetings with the Gunners and did the double over them during the 2019-20 season.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, speaking to Premier League productions: "With the quality we have in the team we are not worried about creating chances or scoring goals. We know we have that. It is about matching teams off the ball and winning our duals and today that worked for us.

"We knew what their setup was like for corners so it was pretty simple. We saw the spaces and that we could get opportunities from there. They didn't ick up on the earlier one so having two opportunities at it was helpful.

"We always want to continue to improve and get better. Look at our performances before and see what can be better. With the games coming up we have a good opportunity."

Simon Atkins: I've been so focused on Brighton and Newcastle doing brilliantly that I've only just noticed how well Fulham are doing. Game in hand aside, they're only 3 points behind Liverpool at nearly the halfway stage.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC One

Everton did really well. It would be easy for them being in the position they're in and the pressure they're under to cave when Manchester City scored but they stuck together and put in a really gutsy performance. Any doubts that they weren't playing for the manager disappeared.

Leeds United

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch speaking to Match of the Day: "I feel good about coming here and getting a draw. The first half was good from us but in the second half they started playing every ball into our end.

"I'm happy with how we dealt with the crowd and the mentality to get a draw and keep a clean sheet.

"We knew we would have to come here and defend well. We had to deal with the elements and we did that.

"We thought we were giving away goals cheaply before the World Cup break but now we are fighting like hell not to do that."

On doing business in the transfer window: "We were focused on the match and again I thought the point was hard fought."

That Manchester City draw is a big incentive for Arsenal because they can move seven points clear at the top of the table going into the new year, if they beat Brighton.

Everton

Everton defender Ben Godfrey to Sky Sports: "Massive. I think we showed our character today. We've always had a team spirit. That's the standard. Work rate and togetherness. It feels good to get a point.

"It's always going to be tough. I don't need to tell you Erling Haaland's a good player. I just had to do my job. Yeah of course he was [upset]. You could see his reaction. He got his goal and is always causing people problems and it's those challenges you have to look forward to.

"You come here and give yourself a chance to score and we did that. I've seen [Demarai Gray] do that day in, day out in training. It's nothing less than he deserved.

"To be 1-0 down at half-time it's easy to let that get to you but we knew we would get a chance. We'll take the point.

"The Boxing Day result was upsetting. To concede so late on was never nice. That highlights our chracter to have such a disappointing result then come to a place like City and get a result."

Chris, Brixton: Are City really any better with Haaland? He's an incredible player, yes, but is just taking goals from elsewhere. They are two points worse off compared to last season.

Matty AFC: That's an absolutely massive result from Everton for us.

Can't count our chickens yet though; Brighton put four goals past Chelsea at home this season.Huge game coming up in half an hour!