Premier League Update – GW 16 | OneFootball

The top four of the table logged: 1 loss, 2 draws and 1 victory. On the opposite end: 3 losses and 1 victory. Ah, the joys of a December cauldron of matches. Halfway through the month and we still have so much more to see!

Saturday, December 14

Arsenal 0 – 0 Everton

It’s hard to find any positive spin on this result if you’re Arsenal. They had statistical domination (77% possession, 5 on target shots from 8 efforts; Everton had zero off 2). They had the set-piece edge (8 corners to 2). But Everton dug in their heels, dulled the Gunners’ dead-ball threat and walked away from Emirates stadium with a well-earned point.

Liverpool 2 – 2 Fulham

Andy Robertson had a terrible, ‘orrible, no-good, very bad day. Minute 1: He tweaked his knee. Minute 11: Fulham’s first goal deflected off him past Alison. Minute 17: A poor touch off a backpass allowed Harry Wilson inside, and his resulting challenge drew a straight red for DOGSO (that’s referee-parlance for Denial Of a Goal Scoring Opportunity). Liverpool were down a goal, a man and facing 73 more minutes of a determined Fulham side. Enter Diogo Jota, back after 7 weeks of injury, to salvage a point and swell Merseyside chests with pride.

Newcastle 4 – 0 Leicester

Any warm fuzzies Ruud van Nistelrooy and Lesicester had after his appointment three games ago were swept away by the ferocious onslaught of Newcastle. The Dutch manager could only watch in frustration as his side were backed into desperate defending early in the match, and never dug themselves out of it. The Magpies responded with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak , bookended by Jacob Murphy’s brace.

Wolverhampton 1 – 2 Ipswich Town

At home facing a relegation six-pointer, this was a must-win for Gary O’Neil and Wolves. Despite a brilliant effort from Matheus Cunha to draw them level, Wolves supporters had to watch, in horror, as Ipswich grabbed the lead in the 93rd minute against the overall run of play. The ensuring post-match melee saw frustrations on full display, but had the home team shown more of that passion in their defense they might not have been in this predicament.

Post note: Four months after handing him a four-year appointment, Wolves leadership sacked Gary O’Neil.

Nottingham Forest 2 – 1 Aston Villa

The fairy tale season continues for Forest, this time off the boots of Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga. Villa’s run of defeats following Champions League fixtures is now five in a row, and even Jhon Durán could not lift them up.Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s message to supporters after the game: “Have a beer.” Thanks, I will.

Sunday, December 15

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 – 3 Crystal Palace

This wasn’t the oldest or most anticipated derby of the day, but it did not disappoint. Palace’s last win came nearly five years previously but the Eagles’ coach (bus) arrived off the M23 with the team on the ascendency. And while the Seagulls were swift off the perch, the Eagles struck first with a one-two punch from Trevor Chalobah and Ismaïlia Sarr. The latter would strike again in the second half, as Palace absorbed a vivacious and lively Brighton attack. Keeper Dean Henderson made four crucial saves, and Brighton eventually got on the scoreboard courtesy of a Marc Guéhi own-goal right before the final whistle.

Manchester City 1 – 2 Manchester United

It is challenging to put into words the magnitude of this result – on multiple levels. Neither team looked particularly invested in the first half, Josko Gvardiol’s header more a consequence of luck than skill. Then someone fed a coin into the wayback machine in the 85th minute and United  transformed into their old selves. Gifted a spot-kick from Amad Diallo’s probing run into the box, Bruno Fernandes calmly converted. Then less than a minute after the ensuing kickoff Amad Diallo, the only player who seemed to be enjoying himself on the pitch, beat both Emerson and Gvardiol to strike the net at the tightest of angles. City stunned; United ecstatic; fans left both celebrating and questioning.

Chelsea 2 – 1 Brentford

The Bees came into Stamford Bridge having won their last three as visitors, but their recent abysmal away form (one point out of seven games) turned out to be more influential in this particular match. They certainly didn’t roll over, but Bryan Mbuemo’s pacey finish was too little, too late.If I have to hear Enzo Maresca prattle on about how Chelsea aren’t title contenders any more I’m gonna barf. Stop the false modesty. You’re good. Embrace it.

Southampton 0-5 Tottenham

If your fans leave the stadium before the final whistle then you know you have a problem. St. Mary’s was half-empty before halftime, victim to the Spurs’ relentless attack which saw four goals scored by the 25th minute. Southampton’s manager Russell Martin actually walked into the tunnel before Spurs’ fifth goal in the 45+4th minute… a dreadful look.

Post note: Russel Martin was sacked late Sunday evening, the second manager to fall victim to the December crucible.

Monday, December 16

Bournemouth vs. West Ham

This should be a taut match. Calling a 2-2 draw on this one.