Image source, BBC Sport

2023 in the Premier League ends with Arsenal missing a big chance at the top. They could have gone into the new year leading the way but instead sit fourth.

Behind them, north London rivals Spurs closed the gap to just a point with victory over Bournemouth.

Thanks for joining us throughout 2023. You can scroll down below to see all of the reaction from both games.

See you on the other side.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou speaking to BBC Match of the Day:

"Every week is challenging in the Premier League and they [Bournemouth] are an in-form team, we faced Everton a few weeks ago similar scenario. We were disappointed with the Brighton game and wanted to show a response. We've had two days rest and the Brighton game took a lot out of us so to put that effort in today was outstanding.

"We had to show a bit of everything - resilience, character and discipline and we did all three."

On severity of injuries: "Not sure - for different reasons the lads were upset. Pape [Sarr] doesn't want to miss out on playing for national team and Alejo [Veliz] was in a lot of pain but he wanted to keep gong and we wanted him to come off."

Injuries force into transfer window? "Not at all - each window gives an opportunity to strengthen and grow it's nothing to do with injury situation it's to do with building the side."

Bentancur return: "Brilliant, main positive apart from the result. He's worked hard to get back and train with us, gave everyone a lift because he's a fantastic footballer and he's an enormous character. 60 minutes today and he can get on the training pitch this week."

On confrontation at end: "Getting together and making some resolutions about our behaviour in 2024."

In title race? "We're going alright. Not according to everybody but we are three points off the top so we're going alright."

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports: "We weren't good enough. We lost three days ago when we deserved to win, but today we were nowhere near that level.

"We conceded two very similar goals, giving the ball away. Defensively we were second best.

"We had a great performance against Liverpool, against West Ham, this is the one you have to isolate as it is our worst performance of the season."

On the early goal: "You have to play 100 minutes in this league, not just a few actions."

On his second half changes: "I was trying to change the dynamic, add players inside and add more threat. That did not happen as we kept on giving the ball away, we were unable to get any momentum."

On whether they will sign players in January: "We have to do what we did in the previous 19 games. With the same players."

Bournemouth

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola speaking to BBC Match of the Day:

"Quite happy with performance, difficult to come here and have so many chances and to push them. They finished better than us and that's it. First 60 minutes I think we were very good. We made the mistake in the first goal had a lot of chances to tie the game and they punished us at the end.

"It's a matter of hitting the crossbar, blocks and in the first half they blocked some of ours really well. We had a lot of opportunities and we've won games playing worse than today but they were better especially finishing today.

"At the end if it was 3-0 we had the perception we could score, we put pressure on them and I felt the game was physical. We were tired, pushing a lot and maybe if we'd scored the second it was different we would've done more."

On confrontation near end: "When teams are winning they try to play as less as possible and we have to accept this."

On season so far: "It was a stretch, we started bad but have been in a very good run. 25 points is a good amount but we still need more, we have to keep improving and the performance today was really good."

Bournemouth

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott talking to Sky Sports: "The lads are pretty gutted. We played quite well for the majority of the game. there were a few mistakes and a team like Spurs are going to punish you. We could have pushed on and scored a few more. It was an OK performance but the lads are gutted in there.

"It is disappointing to only score one. It is a positive we were in the position to make those chances and the more we're in there the more we'll take.

"It was a tough start to the season. I was injured but watching on it was tough. The results weren't falling for us but something switched maybe two months ago. We're playing much better football and the stuff we're putting in on the training pitch is coming off in games. The manager was new and we had to adapt to his ideas and it was always going to take a few games.

"I think we're only just getting started really. There is a lot of confidence in the changing room. We want to repay the manager for the hard work he puts in on the training ground. We're a young, hungry group who just want to keep learning."

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham defender Ben Davies, talking to Sky Sports: "We needed those three points today. It was tough at times, they are a really good side and pressed well. When we were clinical and showed patience and kept the ball well. It was a good result.

"It wasn’t easy. When they went behind they had nothing to lose and probably came with a little bit extra. We probably missed opportunities and then teams do come that bit more aggressive and we can create chances in behind and we did that in the second half.

"That is always the sign a good team when you come against adversity and you fight against it. It is not about the quality of the football it is about the fight and heart we’ve shown.

"We’re still there and there abouts even though we’ve had tough times. It’s not exclusive to us. A lot of people are realising there are a lot of good teams in the league this season."

John Murray
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live

What Marco Silva has done at Fulham doesn't get mentioned enough. He won the Championship with them and kept them up.

We'll see what happens in the first leg at Anfield but if they get back here with something to play for then we've seen what can happen.

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Sport: "Really tough day. A sad day. Three days ago [2-0 defeat by West Ham] we played a game we lost that we completely meant to win it, today was our worst game of the season. The pace, the purpose we have in attack, defensively we were second best, we could not dominate and had issues because of that.

"We didn't do enough with that [possession] - not enough purpose speed or threat. We were sloppy with the ball. It wasn't good enough. We didn't deserve to win. When you have opportunities to go top of league on 31 December and now end up with really bad feeling that is football. The lines are really thin.

"If we play like we played in the other 19 games we will be up there [in the league at the end of the season]. If we play like today we will be nowhere near. Today was a really difficult day to swallow."

Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to Sky Sports: "Very disappointing. Very tough to take. Not good enough from us again today. Obviously the last two results have not been what we have been setting over the course of the season. On the back of the draw at Liverpool we felt we could kick on but two defeats is a tough one to swallow.

"The game against West Ham we had 30 shots, so many touches in the box but couldn't put it away. Today when go one up we have to have more control. We need to demand more from each other. We had to push on again and go for more. In this league there is no room to mess up. It is a tough one to take.

"We dominated the ball, played good stuff but again not putting the ball in the net. We knew three points would put us back on top. It is two defeats in a row. It is time to reset and we go again."

On the title race: "I don't really look at the table. There is a lot of media who talk and say Arsenal will win the league this year. We don't get involved in that. It is a blip in a road but it is no time to panic. We need to stay positive."

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou talking to Sky Sports: "Every week is a battle and we had to battle today. At the same time I thought we played some decent stuff as well. After Brighton i said these players have given everything they've got and it is a credit to them. We've not been able to rotate but we're still putting in performances and effort like we are today.

"We're trying to build something. I'm at pains to keep repeating myself but we're trying to build a team that plays a bit differently and has some resilience and you can only gain that through tough times. Some of that is self inflicted with suspensions but we've had a a lot of injures. We haven't wanted to make excuses and we're still in there and fighting.

"We're three points off the top so if that is the difference between having a great season and where we are I'll take it. When you're trying to build something you will undoubtedly come up against some challenges. I am seeing progress. Sometimes it is not tangible and not football or results, sometimes it is just the team growing. There was more growth today."

On injuries: "It has been a constant for us. I'm disappointed for Pape [Matar Sarr], I'm not fully sure about the extent yet. It's a hamstring, he's gutted. We'll have to let others step up."

On the touchline scrap towards the end of the game: "We all just came together to wish each a Happy New Year mate and make some resolutions."

On the transfer window: "We need to try and use every window we have at our disposal to keep building the team and squad. i've said before that one window isn't going to build this team, two windows isn't, but we have to keep building."

Matthew Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Every manager will have their own philosophy with how they want to play football matches.

For me, you're going to have matches like today were you need something different to win you that match.

Matthew Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Arsenal looked flat and tired, that would be the major concern for me.

Fulham

Fulham manager Marco Silva, speaking to BBC Sport: "Really the best way to finish 2023, definitely. Our ambition was to finish on a high and react from the last two games. I really believe we deserve it. Over the 95 minutes we deserved it more.

"It was very good reaction after the first goal. The way we beat their pressure and began to play our way. We even had more chances to score a third goal.

"We want to improve in this aspect [consistency] of our journey but it is the most difficult as well. The reaction was brilliant."

Matthew Upson
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

A lot more teams are willing to take City on this season. If more teams are willing to be brave then we could have a title race with three or four teams in it.

This is how the Premier League top six looks at the end of 2023.

Liverpool can open up a three-point lead when they face Newcastle on Monday night (tomorrow).

Manchester City will have a game in hand for quite a while though, with their game against Brentford postponed due to the Club World Cup.

Image source, BBC Sport

"Happy New Year, everybody" says Son Heung-min as the camera gets close to him.

The South Korea international scored his 12th Premier League goal of the season today.

Fulham

Fulham captain Tom Cairney, speaking to Sky Sports: "We have been great at home, not so good away.

"We were very disappointed with the Boxing Day performance [3-0 loss at Bournemouth] and wanted to make a statement today. We were on top form.

"To react the way we did to going a goal behind was very good."