From the Back Pages, January 11: Jason Pucheon powers Alan Pardew’s Eagles to superb comeback victory over Spurs

lan Pardrew left the Selhurst Park pitch blowing kisses on his first game back as manager, as Tottenham Hotspur were blown away. Mauricio Pochettino’s side could muster none of the vibrancy from their 5-3 win over Chelsea, but the life undeniably returned to the Crystal Palace stands, as Jason Puncheon’s 80th-minute goal gave them an uplifting 2-1 win. (The Independent)

Everton 1 Manchester City 1: On this evidence, the return of Sergio Agüero following a seven-game absence through injury could not be more timely. Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park was hard earned and wholly deserved but their reward could have been much greater had they not lacked the Argentina striker’s cutting edge for much of the game. (The Times)

As Chelsea’s players walked down the tunnel at the end of this occasionally jittery but ultimately comfortable victory against Newcastle United, Stamford Bridge reverberated to cheers as news of Manchester City’s draw at Everton came over the PA. There is daylight between Chelsea and their closest rivals once more and, though José Mourinho was dissatisfied with some aspects of his side’s performance, the bottom line is that they are two points clear of City and the title is still theirs to lose. (The Guardian)

STEVE HOLLAND has vehemently denied Gary Cahill was dropped for Chelsea’s win over Newcastle. (The Express)

Frank Lampard has signed a two-year deal with New York City FC to put a week of speculation surrounding his future behind him. (The Mirror)

Gareth Bale responded to his Real Madrid critics with one of the passes of the season and a sensational free-kick in his side’s 3-0 win over Espanyol but still couldn’t please everyone at the Santiago Bernabeu. (Daily Mail)

Charlie Nicholas has issued an apology over comments he made during Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday when he said Manchester City players Fernandinho and Fernando “look the same”. (The Telegraph)