The Morning Sports Briefing

White Hart Lame

Manchester United missed the opportunity to cut the gap at the top of the table yesterday as the big guns all dropped points in their final game of 2014.

Despite pummelling Tottenham Hotspur in the first half United’s finishing was poor, and manager Louis Van Gaal said his side “struggled for life” in the second half of the goalless draw at White Hart Lane.

Conspiracy against Chelsea

League leaders Chelsea were also held, drawing 1-1 away at a resurgent Southampton, a result which led Jose Mourinho to claim there is a "clear campaign" against the Blues after Cesc Fabregas was booked for diving.

Burnley bounce back

Manchester City could have moved to within a Chelsea at the top of the league but they threw away a 2-0 lead at home against Burnley, again highlighting their reliance on absent skipper Vincent Kompany.

Arsenal close on fourth

First half goals from Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck helped Arsenal move closer to fourth spot as they leapfrogged West Ham thanks to a 2-1 win at the Boleyn.

Relegation struggles

At the other end of the table, Leicester City picked up three priceless points in beating Hull at the KC Stadium, while the other relegation battle between Queens Park Rangers and manager-less Crystal Palace ended in a stalemate.

The day's third 0-0 came at Villa Park where Aston Villa and Sunderland played out a game which won’t live long in the memory.

Martinez misery

Elsewhere Stoke City continued their hoodoo over West Bromwich Albion with a 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium, while Everton's miserable season continued as they were beaten 3-2 by Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Hurrican Fly set to see off Jezki again

All eyes will be turned towards Leopardstown today as Hurricane Fly and Jezki rekindle their rivalry, with Ruby Walsh expected to take the 10-year-old veteran to victory in the Ryanair hurdle at 1.25pm.

Road to Riches new Gold Cup hope

Brian O'Connor looks at Road to Riches, who has become the new great hope for Irish success in the Gold Cup after winning the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Day Three of the festival.

Gordon Elliot's increasing impact at racing's top table means Mala Beach could emerge as winner of Ireland's final Grade One prize of 2014 in the Topaz Novice Chase.

Something for everyone at Leopardstown

Road to Riches was the winner yesterday, but the bookies didn't have the best of days, writes Frank McNally.

Leinster look to bounce back

Reigning Pro12 champions Leinster currently sit outside the top four play-off positions at the season's halfway point following a 13-28 defeat to Munster on St Stephen's Day, but as Gerry Thornley writes Matt O'Connor's side are looking to bounce back when they host Ulster on Saturday.

Lam laments fixture move

Meanwhile, Connacht coach Pat Lam has expressed his annoyance his side's St Stephen's Day clash against Ulster was rearranged to take place in Belfast, leaving them with a long coach journey and a flight in order to avoid travelling on Christmas Day.

Ched a rare dark moment

As part of The Irish Times' review of the year, Brian O'Connor looks at the Ched Evans story which has presented a rare black mark on a fantastic sporting year.