Roberto Firmino doubles up for Liverpool’s emphatic win over Leicester

When Liverpool lifts the English Premier League trophy in May — - barring a monumental collapse — the end of a three-decade title drought will owe a lot to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

After a key role in the first three goals, Alexander-Arnold netted himself to add the final flourish in a 4-0 victory over Leicester on Thursday that sent Liverpool 13 points clear of the second-placed challenger. And that's with a game in hand, with half of the season remaining. Victory in the chill of central England on Boxing Day came five days after the European champion added the Club World Cup to its trophy haul.

Roberto Firmino netted the winner against Flamengo in Qatar and the forward got on the end of two crosses from Alexander-Arnold at King Power Stadium.

The goal that suppressed any hope of a Leicester comeback — and surely the host's hopes of repeating its remarkable 2016 title — came when James Milner grabbed the second of the night from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

The move that led to the penalty being awarded, inevitably came from another of AlexanderArnold's crosses which was handled by Leicester defender Çağlar Söyüncü.

Arteta's Arsenal tenure begins with 1-1 draw at Bournemouth

Pierre-Emerick

Aubameyang scored an equalizer for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta's first match in charge ended 1-1 at Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Thursday.

Aubameyang's 63rd-minute goal was his 12th in the league — putting him second overall to Leicester's Jamie Vardy.

Dan Gosling opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the 35th.

After Alexandre Lacazette was off target for Arsenal in the first half, Gosling punished slack defending when he turned in Jack Stacey's cross from the right.

The Gunners could have been 20 down at the break against Eddie Howe's spirited Bournemouth side.

Joshua King embarked on a strong solo run down the left and, after using his strength to hold off the last defender, almost managed to poke the ball through goalkeeper Bernd Leno's legs from a narrow angle.

Arsenal improved after the interval and the Gagon striker Aubameyang finished first time after Reiss Nelson's effort from the edge of the penalty area deflected into his path.

Substitute Joe Willock, who came on for the recalled Mesut Ozil, had a chance to win the game right at the end, but his injury-time shot was too close to the goalkeeper.

Arteta, a former Arsenal midfielder, was given a warm welcome from the traveling fans who are desperate to see signs of improvement. He has much work to do after replacing Unai Emery and interim coach Freddie Ljunberg, with home games against Chelsea on Sunday and Manchester United on Jan. 1.

After learning the coaching ropes as assistant to Pep Guardiola at champion Manchester City, Arteta signed a 3 1/2-year contract. Emery was fired in late November after the team's worst run in 27 years.

Arteta's arrival could signal an unexpected boost for the erratic midfielder Ozil, whose form and perceived lack of work rate have frustrated Arsenal fans in recent seasons.

But Ozil has made a good first impression on his new coach — who was himself a fine passer — with both his attitude and creativity.

Calvert-Lewin gives Ancelotti winning start at Everton

Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Carlo Ancelotti's managerial reign at Everton a winning start as his diving header secured a 1-0 victory over Burnley in the English Premier League on Thursday.

The Toffees striker stretched Everton's unbeaten run to four league games but Ancelotti will be aware that this was not a vintage performance from his new side at Goodison Park.

Everton once again struggled to make the most of dominant possession - highlighting the need for Ancelotti to bring in reinforcements up front - but prevailed from one predatory piece of finishing from Calvert-Lewin in the 80th minute.

Caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson claimed five points from his three league matches against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal to lift Everton into midtable.

Serie B

Yesterday

Cosenza-Empoli ................................ 1-0 Chievo-Benevento ............................ 1-2 Cremonese-Juve Stabia .................... 1-1 Frosinone-Crotone ............................ 1-2 Livorno-Pescara ................................ 0-2 Salernitana-Pordenone ..................... 4-0 Trapani-Perugia ................................ 2-2 Venezia-Cittadella ............................. 1-2 Ascoli-Pisa ......................................... 1-0 Virtus Entella-Spezia ......................... 0-0