It is that time of the year. With the games coming thick and fast, we’re seeing shock results and surprise performances aplenty. Ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures, a look at the biggest talking points from matchday 18.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Villa’s resolve is tested
Aston Villa had the perfect opportunity to move to the top of the table. Unai Emery’s men, with their perfect record at Villa Park, hosted bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United on Friday night.
All Villa had to do was win. It didn’t have to be pretty or convincing. They just needed the three points to move ahead of Arsenal.
In the end, they had to settle for a point. Heading into stoppage time, it appeared as though they wouldn’t even achieve that.
Former Villa striker Cameron Archer fired the Blades into a well deserved lead with just three minutes left. Chris Wilder’s side weren’t able to hold on though and Nicolo Zaniolo struck in the 97th minute.
Villa now travel to Old Trafford on Boxing Day looking to return to winning ways. The point, momentarily, lifted Sheffield United off the bottom of the table but Burnley’s win on Saturday meant that was short-lived.
Another defeat for Manchester United
The Red Devils did well to limit Liverpool last weekend. They could’ve used this performance as a platform to really kickstart their season as they travelled to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers played in mid-week against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and David Moyes had to rotate his team to keep things fresh.
Yet it was United who looked tired and sluggish. They dominated the ball but struggled to create anything, finishing the game with an xG total of just 1.03 as West Ham ran out 2-0 winners to move into sixth.
United now find themselves in eighth position and the pressure really is on Erik Ten Hag.
Momentum is with Spurs
Tottenham made it three wins on the spin with their 2-1 victory over Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Ange Postecoglou’s side raced into an early 2-0 lead against an in-form Toffees side, with Richarlison and Heung-Min Son continuing their fine run of form in front of goal.
The Toffees hit back in the second half with Andre Gomes halving the deficit with eight minutes left to play. In truth though, Sean Dyche’s men probably deserved at least a point.
Everton had more shots, more big chances and a higher Expected Goals total. Guglielmo Vicario was actually the highest rated player on FotMob with a score of 8.7 after making seven saves.
The Dominic Solanke show
Dominic Solanke netted a hat-trick for Bournemouth as the Cherries beat Nottingham Forest 3-2. The former Liverpool forward scored twice in quick succession after the break and then grabbed the winner in stoppage time to extend his remarkable run in front of goal.
The 26-year-old has six in his last six Premier League outings and he’s now on 11 for the season.
The Cherries are now up to 11th in the Premier League with this last-gasp win.
Nuno Espírito Santo, managing Nottingham Forest for the first time, will feel a little aggrieved in all honesty. Willy Boly was controversially sent off inside of 25 minutes and if was a uphill struggle for the hosts after that. Still, they’ll need points on the board soon to avoid relegation.
Newcastle don’t travel well
Another away match for Newcastle United, another away defeat. Only two teams have picked up fewer points than the Magpies (five) on their travels this season.
Eddie Howe’s men made the trip to Kenilworth Road on Saturday to take on a struggling Luton Town side.
The Toon Army had comfortably beaten Fulham last week and probably expected three points against the Hatters.
It wasn’t to be though. Luton had more shots, a higher Expected Goals total and finished with more big chances. They didn’t have much of the ball but they made sure to make the most of their opportunities.
Andros Townsend, a former Newcastle United winger, scored the winner for Luton. The three points means Rob Edwards’ side are just two points behind 17th placed Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal reclaim top spot
Arsenal travelled to Anfield looking to prove doubters wrong. The Gunners crumbled against Liverpool last season despite taking a 2-0 lead. After that, their title charge fell apart. This was their chance to show the world that they’re a different team this time around.
They started the game well with Gabriel nodding past Alisson after just four minutes. But then Liverpool found their way back into the game. Mohamed Salah equalised and then Trent Alexander-Arnold smashed the bar with the game there to be won.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result when looking at the stats. Arsenal reclaimed top spot and will be top of the table for Christmas, leading the way by a single point.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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