The Pulse of Football

Dec

2024

Jesus Navas Superstar

The time has come again. Millions of people across the globe have gathered with their loved ones to give gifts, indulge, and commemorate the birth of a mysterious carpenter. In the city of Seville, however, they have been celebrating two Jesuses this year.

By Alex Roberts

Jesús Navas has called it quits on his long an illustrious career at the ripe old age of 39. He leaves the game a Bonafide Sevilla legend, helping his boyhood club win four Europa Leagues, two Copa del Reys, a UEFA Super Cup, and a Spanish Super Cup.

Born in Los Palacios, 15 minutes south of Seville, a small skinny boy first walked into Sevilla’s training ground in 2000, dreaming of simply being good enough to represent the club he loves. The stadium in that very same facility is named after him now.

He made his debut in November 2003, two days after his 19^th birthday, in a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol in LaLiga. He may not have won the game for Sevilla in the end, but his immense talent was clearly evident.

Sevilla hadn’t won a trophy in 50 years at that point and the club were in danger of falling into further irrelevance. By the time Navas left, he had played the second most games in the club’s history, with 393, 27 behind Juan Arza Iñigo in first with 419, and emphatically ended their trophy drought.

The winger had scored in a Copa del Rey final and won two UEFA Cups, the competition that Sevilla would soon become synonymous with. Unfortunately, their success on the pitch didn’t translate to success off it.

Chelsea courted him back in 2006, but he couldn’t bear to leave his beloved Sevilla, turning them down, citing anxiety attacks due to homesickness as the reason.

In the most romantic version of this story, Navas would have spent his entire career at Sevilla, but modern football has no time for such things. In 2013, ten years after making his debut, the club were in dire financial straits, and he reluctantly accepted a move away to help.

Man City came calling and Navas made the move from sunny Seville to not so sunny Manchester. The Premier League club’s vast wealth helped keep the lights on at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium but at the cost of the club’s very soul.

Navas enjoyed his time in Manchester, adapting his game and becoming a wing-back after initially struggling to contend with the more physical Premier League defenders. He would go on to become a key player for Manuel Pellegrini, winning his first league title, along with two League Cups.

Three years flew by before Pellegrini was eventually replaced by Pep Guardiola. The legendary coach persisted with Navas for a season, but he soon become surplus to requirements when Kyle Walker was signed from Tottenham in the summer of 2017.

The Spaniard left City as a free agent with 183 appearances, eight goals, and 35 assists under his belt. He may not have been prolific in front of goal, but his industry and never-say-die attitude endeared him to the Etihad faithful.

As soon as he left, Navas had his heart and mind set on a return to Sevilla and to his city. It finally materialised on August 1^st, 2017, signing a four-year deal, and he hasn’t looked back since.

As age caught up with him, things got harder for Navas. He has an arthritic hip that causes him pain whenever he plays, trains, or even walks. Still, he played through it, sacrificing his body for the club he loves.

By the end of his first season back, he had overtaken Iñigo to become the club’s record appearance maker, helping them secure a Europa League spot and a place in the Copa del Rey final, which they ultimately lost 5-0 to Barcelona, all done under three separate managers.

The next season was relatively successful too. Sevilla made it to the business end of Spain’s domestic cups, once again falling to Barcelona in a cup final, although this time it was 2-1 in the Supercopa de España.

Navas would go on to captain Sevilla to three consecutive top four finishes, securing Champions League football and much-needed funds under Julen Lopetegui but the proverbial cherry on top of the cake came in the form of the 2022-23 Europa League trophy.

Sevilla didn’t have an easy run to the final, they would have to beat PSV, Fenerbahce, Man United, and Juventus before facing José Mourinho’s Roma in Budapest.

The Italians took the lead in the 35^th-minute through Paulo Dybala before a Gianluca Mancini own-goal levelled things up. Full-time came and went, so did extra-time, the final would have to be decided by penalties.

What followed was arguably the worst set of spot-kicks from a single side in a major European final. Roma missed two penalties, and it ended 4-1 to Sevilla, earning them a record seventh title, with Navas being named the Player of the Tournament.

From the highest of highs come the lowest of lows, and things have soured at Sevilla since their last Europa League win. Lopetegui was sacked in October 2022, and the club have finished 12^th and 14^th in the two seasons since.

Losing their most successful player is the latest in a long line of blows for Sevilla, but it was the right thing to do.

Few opposition players have received a standing ovation from the home support at the Santiago Bernabéu and now Navas can count himself alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona.

Navas left the pitch in tears, not because Sevilla had lost 4-2, but because it was the end. Long live the second most successful Jesus in Spanish history.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga on FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Analysis: LaLiga promises an open three-way title race in 2025

Three points separate La Liga’s top three as we end the calendar year, so we are sure to get an exciting title race in the second half of the season. Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona all have their issues, making them quite closely matched so far.

By Neel Shelat

Atlético Madrid’s smash-and-grab win over Barcelona this weekend saw them jump to the top of La Liga’s standings for the first time this season, while neighbours Real Madrid followed them into second place with a win over Sevilla. With these results, the last round of fixtures in 2024 has set us up very nicely for a thrilling title race between the usual suspects.

Atlético Madrid: Defence still Simeone’s key to success

Atlético Madrid’s summer transfer business was quite eye-catching. They spent big on a couple of star attackers, underscoring a shift in approach away from the typically dogged and defensive Diego Simeone side. The challenge for the Argentine tactician then became to find the right formula to get the best out of a top-heavy side.

Initially, Atléti faced various problems. Simeone started the season with a back three formation, though he was reluctant to put Antoine Griezmann, Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth all in the same starting line-up. Perhaps due to the new additions, the attack didn’t quite click immediately, but the breaking point probably came at the other end.

Los Colchoneros seemed to forsake their defensive department amidst their heavy attacking spending, especially leaving it thin in terms of quality. They no longer had absolute rocks at the back, so a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League caused Simeone to switch his approach. After a bit of experimenting, he reverted to a good old-fashioned 4-4-2 and has stuck to it since.

By choosing to drop into a solid low block out of possession, Atléti have managed to shore up their defence. They have conceded the fewest goals and lowest xG tally in La Liga so far and certainly look like the best defensive side in the division.

As for the attack, Simeone has found an interesting formula whereby Griezmann and Alvarez start most matches in the front two, while Sørloth makes an impact off the bench. The Norwegian striker has not started a league game in over two months but has scored five of his eight goals in that period, including three game-winners. In fact, Atlético’s substitutes have registered 22 goal involvements in the league between them this season – a figure more than 11 teams’ total goal tallies!

After winning just four of nine LaLiga and Champions League matches in which they started with a back three, Atlético are on a 12-match winning streak right now. Clearly, Simeone has found the right formula for this side.

Real Madrid: Los Blancos finally firing?

Defending champions Real Madrid might have been expected to improve even further following the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, but that has not proven to be the case. They long struggled to get their rejigged attack to click, while existing defensive issues were exacerbated in the tighter matches.

Finding the right role for Mbappé has been one of their biggest challenges as the French forward is not an out-and-out striker but cannot be shifted too far out to the left to ensure Vinícius Júnior remains unhindered. With both of their biggest superstars favouring the left side, Los Blancos have also become a little too unidimensional at times.

Even so, there have been some promising signs in recent games. Although injuries have prevented Mbappé and Vinícius from starting too many matches together, they showed some nice link-play against an admittedly weaker Pachuca side in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The French superstar’s subsequent performance against Sevilla was quite encouraging too, with Ancelotti himself stating that “His adaptation period is over.”

Jude Bellingham also seems to have sufficiently readjusted into a more connecting midfield role after being the team’s chief goal threat last term, while Rodrygo has chipped in with some handy contributions from the right. Even if they are far from their very best, this Real Madrid squad simply has the irresistible individual quality to seriously compete in this title race. If they further improve in 2025, they could even run away with it.

*Real Madrid goals + assists, LaLiga 2024/25*

Barcelona: Wheels falling off for Flick’s side?

Barcelona were fastest out of the blocks at the start of the season as Hansi Flick’s side won 11 of their first 12 league games, racing to a nine-point lead. Even at the time, though, analysts warned that they would struggle to sustain such a level of performance throughout the season, and their premonitions have come true perhaps even earlier than expected.

Barça have picked up just five points from their last seven league matches, losing to Real Sociedad, Las Palmas, Leganés and Atlético Madrid in that period. While some of those results were unfortunate, many of Barcelona’s issues were exposed in those games.

Most evidently, their extreme defensive approach is starting to get punished as opponents are now regularly breaching their insanely high defensive line. Barcelona have conceded the eighth-most goals in LaLiga, but their underlying numbers are even worse.

Injury issues have not helped their cause, though they only have themselves to blame for their lack of squad depth. That can also be cited as an issue in their attack, as they have inadequate backup for the ageing Robert Lewandowski and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. The Catalan giants’ financial situation is not going to get any better anytime soon, so they are reportedly set to face squad registration issues once again in the January window.

The one positive for Flick’s side is that they still have the best underlying numbers in the league thanks to a free-flowing first-choice attack, Unless they improve in other respects, though, they will surely find it difficult to win the league with just that.

*The FotMob xG table AKA ‘Justice Table’, based on expected goals stats*

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Intercontinental and Club World Cup on FotMob – with deep stats, xG, and players ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Preview: Arsenal aiming to do a job on the Tractor Boys

Arsenal sat third going in to Christmas, not a terrible position on the face of it for an Arsenal side expected to be one of three teams capable of challenging for the title.

By Karl Matchett

Following the Boxing Day games however, the Gunners have slipped to fourth and as ever, context is king: they’re now nine points off the pace, while those above them include last year’s distant third-placed team and two sides who weren’t even in the conversation.

Job No.1: Staying in touch

Manchester City’s dramatic fall from grace should, in theory, have presented Arsenal with an opportunity – but their own decisions on and off the pitch, more pragmatic and with solid rather than spectacular transfer work, have seen them fall away too. If ten winless games throughout the Premier League season is effectively a cut-off point for title race involvement, the Gunners are 80 percent of the way there already. Most games are now must-win for them, especially home to newly promoted sides such as Ipswich Town. All Arsenal can aim for, for now at least, is to do exactly that and trust to hope that another opportunity to overhaul the teams above them will roll their way.

Staying in touch isn’t just the message at the top though. Ipswich are three points adrift of safety, 19th in the table – but probably somewhere about where they expected to be after promotion and signing for the future in the summer. That’s not to say they don’t want to try staying up, but they don’t need it to be done by the new year. Keeping in contact with those above them is all important, such as the win over Wolves recently, not defeats to Newcastle last time out or potentially at the Emirates. Their quality in attack means they cannot be dismissed but they’ll target mini runs against Everton, Brentford and Leicester, not the Magpies, the Gunners and Chelsea.

Good runs and bad runs

Being off the pace can make it feel Arsenal are in a bad run, but they’re not right now – seven wins from the last nine in all competitions, four wins in the last six in the league. It’s just that for the title, margins are so fine, but they are scoring and winning, netting eight in two matches against Crystal Palace in the past week.

Even if winning matches against bigger clubs isn’t the absolute key, the Tractor Boys do need to keep nicking points here and there. Four defeats from their last five isn’t sustainable either, and they have only two victories in all competitions all season. They’ve only kept one clean sheet, too – back in September.

Team news

The biggest loss is the biggest news: Bukayo Saka’s absence for “weeks” through a hamstring injury means Gabriel Jesus must really step up in productivity and consistency, and Mikel Arteta needs to find an alternative threat from Saka’s position on the right flank. Ipswich are without suspended Sam Morsy, injured George Hirst and sidelined Chiedozie Ogbene.

Key player

Gabriel Jesus has come into the side of late and immediately rediscovered his scoring touch – Mikel Arteta is desperate for that to continue. It also makes a mockery of him playing 266 league minutes before last week. If he can now play more but keep averaging 3.84 shots and 8.2 touches in the box per 90 minutes, they have another dangerous forward to rely on.

Prediction

Arsenal won’t – can’t – have any trouble seeing off strugglers at home if they are to rebuild any sort of momentum at the top into the new year: Arsenal 3-1 Ipswich.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Premier League game with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Preview: Everton out to add to Manchester City’s misery

Manchester City will kick off the Boxing Day fixtures by hosting Everton, though there might not be too much festive cheer around a side that has lost nine of its last 12 games.

By Neel Shelat

City showing few signs of ending the slump

Even as Manchester City started a streak of losses in November, few could have believed that their form would remain just as dismal at Christmas time. Worse yet, their performances have not looked much better either.

Pep Guardiola’s side have shown signs of promise on occasion, but they have struggled to sustain a decent performance for the full 90 minutes. Their dramatic loss in the recent Manchester derby exposed their sudden inability to see out a lead, but last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa was arguably even more concerning as City simply looked second best.

Villa, for their part, contrived an excellent game plan that precisely targeted the defending champions’ weak spots. They were happy to drop back defensively and let City circulate possession, exposing a rather toothless attack. After turnovers, they ran straight at the visitors’ back line and cut them open on counterattacks. They were even able to deal damage with settled possession, baiting Manchester City’s disjointed press before slicing through it with slick passing.

This relatively straightforward blueprint has suddenly become effective against Guardiola’s side, as the former Barcelona tactician has changed little despite such poor results and injury issues. Once again, he will have to fashion a makeshift defensive unit for this match after John Stones suffered a recurring issue over the weekend while Rúben Dias remains out with a calf injury. Rodri, of course, is out for the season, and Matheus Nunes is unlikely to be an option in midfield either. Goalkeeper Ederson also did not make the squad last weekend and remains a doubt.

Everton aiming for a fourth-straight clean sheet

It has been far from smooth sailing for Everton for most of the season as they have struggled to string together a good run of results, largely hovering around the relegation zone. However, they seem to be turning a page heading towards the new year.

The Toffees have lost just one of their last six games, keeping clean sheets in all five others including their latest fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea. Indeed, their defence has been excellent as they are among the top half teams for both goals and xG conceded in the league, while they have the joint-most clean sheets.

Given City’s attacking struggles, another shutout could well be on the cards.

Could Everton stage another upset?

Everton have lost 13 of their last 14 matches against Manchester City, so they will be happy with any sort of points from this fixture. The Toffees have gotten the better of Pep Guardiola’s side once, though – all the way back in 2017, when they won 4-0 at Goodison Park.

Everton have the league’s second-worst attack this term, making a similar result all the more unlikely. Six of their 14 goals have come from set-pieces, so deal ball situations might just be their only scoring hope.

Prediction

Despite everything, Manchester City should be backed to grind out a win against Everton.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Preview: Amorim meets Pereira as United go to Wolves

This Boxing Day match between two of the Premier League’s most underachieving teams this season promises some degree of drama, no matter what happens.

By Ian King

Two new Portuguese managers getting their feet under the desk

Manchester United continue to play as though the very notion of form is close to an alien concept to them. They followed up their best performance of the season at Manchester City with an utterly chaotic defeat to Spurs in the EFL Cup and a home loss against Bournemouth about which the best that can probably be said is that it justified the gap between them in the league at the moment. Wolves replaced Gary O’Neil with Vítor Pereira following their dismal start to the season and the effect was immediate, with a 3-0 win at Leicester after he’d been in post for just three days.

A long history lesson

There is, of course, a lot. When Newton Heath first played Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 1892 they beat them 10-1. There’s little prospect of that happening this time around. When the two teams last met at Molineux on New Year’s Day, United won 4-3 with a Kobbie Mainoo goal seven minutes into stoppage-time after Pedro Neto had equalised for Wolves two minutes earlier. Wolves last win against Manchester United came in January 2022, and that had been their first at Old Trafford since 1980. Their last wins against them at Molineux came within a couple of weeks of each other in 2019, one in the League and the other in the FA Cup.

Key players

Manchester United’s key weakness this season has been a failure to defend set-pieces, and as such the two key players for Wolves are probably their set-piece takers, Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha.

Amad Diallo has been the one bright spot on the pitch for United in recent weeks, but United should be careful to overburden a young player with too much expectation.

Team News

Two of the four players that Pereira brought in to the Wolves team, Gonçalo Guedes and Rodrigo Gomes, scored in his first match against Leicester and will likely start again. Indeed, having made his changes for his first match, the only question mark hangs over Mario Lemina, who missed the Leicester game but should be fit for this one.

Matthijs de Ligt may return for United after missing the Bournemouth match with illness, but longer-term injuries – Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof – remain their bigger issue. There has been no indication that Marcus Rashford will return to the matchday squad.

Prediction

There are two key questions upon which the result of this match ultimately depends. Firstly, which Manchester United team turn up? The one that beat Manchester City, or the one that lost to Bournemouth? Because the only thing that Manchester United have consistently been this season has been inconsistent. And secondly, how much new manager bounce can Vítor Pereira sustain at Wolves? If his start was anything to go by, it could be another long evening for Rúben Amorim. But with Manchester United, who knows? The worst defence versus this version of them? Let’s stay in the Christmas spirit and go for the 3-3 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Preview: West London showdown between Chelsea and Fulham

Chelsea host Fulham on Boxing Day in a West London Derby that could have consequences for both rivals in the top half of the Premier League table.

By Graham Ruthven

West London bragging rights

The rivalry between Chelsea and Fulham dates back over a century with the first meeting between the two sides taking place in 1910.

While the two teams spent decades competing in different divisions to each other, the Blues and the Cottagers are now very much on a similar level, although Enzo Maresca’s side will be favourites to claim three points on Boxing Day.

Chelsea come into the match on the back of a disappointing goalless draw against Everton which allowed Liverpool to stretch their lead at the top of the table to four points. The Blues can apply pressure by narrowing the gap to one point before Liverpool play later in the evening.

Meanwhile, Fulham are similarly fresh from a goalless draw of their own with Marco Silva’s team drawing 0-0 against Southampton on Sunday. The Cottagers have drawn their last three matches, winning just one of their last six.

For both Chelsea and Fulham, Boxing Day’s West London Derby could be a catalyst for a positive run of form over the Christmas period and into 2025.

Plenty of in form performers on show

Cole Palmer is one of the most reliable attacking forces in the Premier League and will be a threat for Chelsea in Thursday’s West London Derby. The 22-year-old has 11 goals and six assists in the league this season and could add to that against Fulham.

Nicolas Jackson has forged a strong understanding with Palmer at the head of the Chelsea attack. The Senegalese striker has netted three goals in his last five appearances and has added conviction to his game this season.

Enzo Fernández continues to grow as a goal-scoring midfielder in the Frank Lampard mould with the Argentinean expected to continue alongside Moisés Caicedo in the centre of the pitch.

Fulham’s left side will be key to their chances of pulling off a result at Stamford Bridge with Antonee Robinson currently one of the best full backs in the Premier League. The USA international dovetails well with Alex Iwobi ahead of him, giving Fulham genuine threat out wide.

Rodrigo Muniz could keep his place in the Fulham lineup after starting against Southampton although Raúl Jiménez is another option in the centre forward role for Silva. Adama Traoré will also be a threat to the Chelsea backline, particularly if he can find a final product.

Team news

Roméo Lavia remains a doubt for Chelsea having missed the last two weeks through injury and could be absent for the home match against Fulham, meaning Caicedo and Fernández are likely to start in central midfield again.

Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashille are also sidelined with Mykhailo Mudryk provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.

Emile Smith Rowe and Sander Berge are both nursing knocks and could miss the trip to Stamford Bridge with Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson and Harrison Reed expected to be sidelined for the derby.

Prediction

Chelsea can apply some pressure to leaders Liverpool with a win, at least until the Reds kick off their evening game against Leicester, and we’ll back Maresca’s side to pull that off: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Premier League Preview, Boxing Day 2024

On Boxing Day in 1963, 66 goals were scored across 10 matches. Every year, football fans yearn for a repeat of this. Every year, we’re somewhat disappointed. However, the Premier League does usually deliver on Boxing Day. With the schedule being a little busier, players are a little tireder, legs are wary and goals are aplenty.

By Sam McGuire

Last year, for example, we witnessed 39 goals across 10 matches. Clubs didn’t hit the heights of 1963 but an average of almost four goals per game isn’t anything to take for granted.

So, with this in mind, here’s a look at some of the things you can keep an eye on across the Boxing Day period, there are a few games on the 27th after all, in the Premier League this season.

Erling Haaland’s slump

Haaland started the season like a man destined to win his third successive Golden Boot in the Premier League. He netted back-to-back hat-tricks and, at one point, had 10 goals in five matches as the reigning champions took 13 points from a possible 15 to kick off the campaign.

Since then, the goals have dried up. Haaland has found the back of the net on just three occasions across his last 12 outings in the English top-flight.

This run has coincided with Man City’s run of six defeats in eight.

Against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, Haaland had just one shot and it wasn’t on target. He finished the game with an Expected Goals total of 0.11. It was the same story last weekend against Manchester United when Haaland had one shot with an Expected Goals total of 0.14.

If City are to get out of the slump they currently find themselves in, they need to get Haaland firing.

Pep Guardiola’s side host Everton on Boxing Day. The Toffees have kept five clean sheets in their last six Premier League matches. Sean Dyche’s men have managed to repel title hopefuls Arsenal and Chelsea in consecutive weeks. It won’t be easy for City but Haaland has scored in all three of his appearances against the Merseyside club. If he finds the back of the net here, against a defensively resolute side, it could open the floodgates.

Battle of the new Portuguese managers

The new manager-bounce didn’t last long for Rúben Amorim and Manchester United. The Red Devils battered Everton 4-0 but then suffered an expected loss to Arsenal before a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

They then responded to this by coming from behind at the Etihad to claim a 2-1 win in the Manchester derby. This was supposed to be a building block for United. However, it wasn’t. Bournemouth humbled the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

They’re now in 13th position in the Premier League, 10 points off the relegation zone, nine points off of a top four place and 17 points off the top having played a game more.

United face a resurgent Wolves side on Boxing Day at Molineux. The hosts appointed Vítor Pereira last week and the Portuguese tactician experienced a dream start to life as a Premier League manager, winning 3-0 against relegation rivals Leicester City. A win at Molineux would momentarily lift them out of the drop zone.

They have the momentum. They have the confidence. They have a match-winner in Matheus Cunha.

The Mohamed Salah farewell tour

As things stand, Salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Right now, he’s the best player in the world. The 32-year-old has 15 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League. He’s the first player in history to have 10+ goals and 10+ assists before Christmas. He’s now level with David Beckham on 80 assists in the English top-flight and he’s Liverpool’s fourth highest scorer in the club’s history.

If this is his goodbye, he’s leaving fans with a lot of memories. Not just Liverpool fans either. Rival fans are getting the full Salah experience. He finished the game against Spurs with four goal involvements. He has 11 goal involvements in his last five appearances.

He is unplayable.

On Boxing Day, the Reds host a struggling Leicester City side.

Liverpool faced the Foxes in December 2021, the campaign they lost the title by a single point, and they fell to defeat, just their second of the season, with Salah missing a penalty. The No. 11 doesn’t need redemption, but how fitting would it be for him to play a big part in a win over Leicester, three years after defeat, to ensure they stay in complete control of a title race? It’d be a nice addition to his farewell tour.

A Saka-less Arsenal?

Bukayo Saka has been the main man for Arsenal this season. Only Kai Havertz (six) has more goals than the No. 7 (five) and he leads the way for assists (10), chances created (42) and big chances created (19). For a bit of context here, Martin Ødegaard ranks second for chances created on 24 and Declan Rice is second for big chances created with seven.

They’re not a one-man team, that would be disrespectful, but the Gunners are heavily reliant on the England international.

He hobbled off against Crystal Palace on Saturday and left the stadium on crutches. The 23-year-old is expected to miss a couple of weeks due to a hamstring injury and it has arrived during the busiest period of the season. It is going to be fascinating to see how Mikel Arteta manages without his star player. If their title challenge endures, they could be the real deal. Hosting strugglers Ipswich Town gives the Gunners a good opportunity to kick things off in a positive way.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Preview: League leaders Liverpool host troubled Leicester

Leicester City could well end Boxing Day in the relegation zone as they make the trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool. It is safe to say that the new manager-bounce under Ruud Van Nistelrooy did not last long.

By Sam McGuire

The season so far

Liverpool ran riot against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points with a game in hand following Chelsea’s draw with Everton.

The Reds hit Ange Postecoglu’s side for six to return to winning ways following back-to-back draws in the English top flight. The pace setters have lost just once all season across all competitions. That was a shock defeat at Anfield to, at the time, a surprise package Nottingham Forest. Nuno Espírito’s Santo’s men, however, are currently fourth and just eight points off the top. Looking back now, it isn’t that much of a shock result.

Arne Slot’s team are now 21 games unbeaten. During this time, they have a win rate of 86%. This sheer dominance is why they sit top of the Premier League, lead the way in the Champions League with a 100% record, and they’re into the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.

Leicester, meanwhile, are struggling.

The Foxes lost manager Enzo Maresca in the summer and have already replaced his successor. Steve Cooper didn’t last long, overseeing just 15 matches before being dismissed. Van Nistelrooy was hired as his replacement and though he started well, with a win over West Ham United and a draw with Brighton, Leicester has since lost 4-0 to Newcastle United and 3-0 to relegation rivals Wolves.

Van Nistelrooy’s side aren’t scoring (just 1.2 goals per game) and they are conceding (2.2 per game). It is a dreadful combo. They have kept just one clean sheet all season and only two sides, Ipswich Town (35.6) and Southampton (38.9), have a higher Expected Goals Conceded total this season.

Previous encounters

The Reds have won 11 of the last 15 clashes, including the last four on the bounce against the Foxes, scoring 10 and conceding two. Leicester have picked up three wins but their last victory at Anfield was back in the year 2000. It is a fairly one-sided fixture and, in truth, this one should be a formality. But the beauty of the Premier League, especially over the festive period, is that the sheer volume of football can be an equaliser. Quality suffers and upsets happen.

The Injury situation

Liverpool are still without Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley, both injured in the Champions League win over Real Madrid. Other than that though, Arne Slot has a full squad to pick from.

There’s depth in attack, with the Dutchman able to leave three from Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Núñez on the bench now.

Leicester are without a number of players.

First choice goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is expected to miss another game meaning the out of form, and former Liverpool shot-stopper, Danny Ward is going to start. Odsonne Édouard, Ricardo Pereira and Wilfred Ndidi are out until early next year while Abdul Fatawa is going to miss the best part of 2025 due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Prediction

It should be a home win, shouldn’t it? Liverpool are ruthless. Leicester are toothless. If the Reds are serious about winning the title, this will be three points. We’re backing them to show the mental fortitude to see this game through despite the makings of a potential banana skin. We’re going 3-1 to the hosts.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Premier League game with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 17

There were some big results across the Premier League this weekend.

By Sam McGuire

Chelsea missed the chance to momentarily claim top spot after a draw at Goodison Park. Instead, Liverpool extended their lead to five points at the summit with a 6-3 win over Spurs. Manchester City’s record in the English top flight now stands at six defeats in eight and they’re 12 points off the top having played a game more. Manchester United suffered a heavy 3-0 loss at Old Trafford just one week after winning the Manchester derby. While Wolves comfortably won the battle-at-the-bottom clash against Leicester City.

For big results like this, you need big performances. So who made the FotMob Team of the Week and why?

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa put in arguably his best performance for the Cherries in their 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The 30-year-old made seven saves on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.9. He faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of 1.45 but repelled all efforts as he claimed a clean sheet, just his third of the campaign. The win moved them above Manchester City and Aston Villa in the table.

Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

The in-demand right-back was at his unbelievable best for Liverpool in their 6-3 statement victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Real Madrid transfer target finished the game having created four chances for the Reds. He assisted the opener with one of the crosses of the season. Alexander-Arnold made nine ball recoveries, three interceptions and won 50% of his duels to cap off an impressive, all-round showing.

Centre-Back: Dean Huijsen

The 19-year-old netted his second goal of the season in the emphatic win over Manchester United. Huijsen opened the scoring for the Cherries, just as he did a few weeks back when Bournemouth defeated Spurs. He won 100% of his tackles, 67% of his ground duels and 50% of his aerial duels. The centre-back also made two interceptions as he played his part in a clean sheet for Andoni Iraola’s men.

Centre-Back: Toti Gomes

Gomes was a brick wall for Wolves in their 3-0 win over relegation rivals Leicester City. The 25-year-old won 75% of his tackles, 100% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial battles. The Wolves centre-back cleared an effort off the line, completed 100% of his attempted dribbles and found a teammate with 85% of his attempted passes. Gomes wasn’t dribbled past and didn’t commit a single foul in what was a mature showing.

Left-Back: Rodrigo Gomes

The left-wing back found the back of the net for Wolves in their win over the Foxes. Gomes also created a chance for new manager Vitor Pereira. The 21-year-old won all of his tackles, made two interceptions and recovered the ball on five occasions. He won 50% of his duels at the King Power Stadium and played his part in ensuring the away side left with a valuable clean sheet. Rayan Aït-Nouri might not easily claim the left wing-back role upon his return from suspension.

Right-Midfield: Mohamed Salah

Another week, another record broken by Salah. The Liverpool attacker is now the first player in Premier League history to have 10+ goals and 10+ assists before Christmas following his two goals and two assists against Spurs on Sunday. He currently leads the charts for goals (15) and assists (11). The 32-year-old claimed a 9.5 FotMob rating for his exploits against Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Centre-Midfield: Dominik Szobozslai

It was Szoboszlai’s best performance in a Liverpool shirt on Sunday. The Hungary skipper was heavily involved in the 6-3 triumph over Spurs. He claimed a goal and an assist but had a hand in the second and fourth goals too. The Liverpool No.8 won 100% of his tackles and 100% of his aerial duels. He probably covered every blade of grass in what was a physically dominant showing. The 8.8 FotMob rating was more than deserved.

Centre-Midfield: Ryan Christie

Christie bossed the middle third for Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The former Celtic midfielder claimed an 8.8 rating. He finished with an assist having created three chances for the Cherries. He also completed 85% of his passes while attempting five dribbles. The Bournemouth No. 10 won four of his five tackles, recovered the ball on 10 occasions and won eight of his 13 attempted duels. On the ball, he was brilliant. Off the ball, he was fantastic.

Left-Midfield: Morgan Rogers

Rogers haunted his former club with a star showing as Aston Villa claimed a 2-1 win over reigning champions Manchester City. Rogers assisted the opener, putting it on a plate for Jhon Durán, before scoring what turned out to be the match-winner for the Villans. The 22-year-old had a total of four shots at Villa Park and created two chances as Unai Emery’s side leapfrogged Pep Guardiola’s men in the table. Rogers also missed one big chance and completed five of his seven dribbles in what was an all-action display.

Attack: Alexander Isak

Isak claimed the highest rating of the matchday following a treble against Ipswich Town. The Newcastle United forward earned himself a FotMob rating of 9.7. He scored three goals, landed 100% of his efforts on target and created two chances. The Tractor Boys couldn’t handle the Swedish international. He now has six goals in five outings for the Magpies and is into double figures for the season.

Attack: Gabriel Jesus

What a week it has been for Jesus. He scored a hattrick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash in midweek and then scored twice against the same opponents on Saturday as Arsenal claimed a 5-1 victory over the Eagles at the Emirates. He was a menace without the ball too, winning 100% of his tackles and four of his six aerial duels on his way to a 9.2 FotMob rating.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Dec

2024

Preview: Bournemouth looking to repeat last season’s trick at Old Trafford

Manchester United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday as Rúben Amorim’s side look to build some momentum after an impressive victory over rivals Manchester City last time out.

By Matt Smith

The Cherries have been a bit of a surprise package this season, currently sitting in eighth place in the table, and United are still getting used to a new era under Amorim.

The Cherries got the better of United last season

In this fixture last season, also played in December, Bournemouth came away with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford. The last time the two sides met, a 2-2 draw was played out at the Vitality Stadium, with Bruno Fernandes grabbing a brace for the Red Devils away from home.

In the Premier League era, United have nine wins against Bournemouth. They’ve drawn on two occasions, while the Cherries have picked up three victories.

Mount set for a spell on the treatment table

Amorim has confirmed that Mason Mount is set for a spell on the treatment table after picking up an injury against Manchester City, with the former Chelsea man likely to be out for ‘several weeks’.

Marcus Rashford was omitted from United’s last two fixtures due to a technical decision from Amorim, so it will be interesting to see whether he makes this one.

Amad the star of the show

Amad Diallo’s form has picked up drastically under Amorim, with the Portuguese manager showing immense faith in the youngster. After stealing the limelight against Man City, Amad picked up another goal and an assist against Tottenham in the EFL Cup this week.

The 22-year-old has been a standout star under Amorim so far, quickly becoming undroppable in the Premier League. Amad has produced eight goals and assists combined in the Premier League this season from just nine starts.

No fresh injury concerns for Iraola

Andoni Iraola has confirmed that it’s likely to be a ‘very similar’ squad to face United as we saw against West Ham United on Monday.

Enes Ünal came off the bench to score a superb equaliser against the Hammers, so he could be pushing for a starting place on Sunday.

Bournemouth creating chances at will

Bournemouth have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League this season, creating 32.9 expected goals (xG), with only Chelsea managing more.

The Cherries have been producing chances all over the pitch, with the front three behind Evanilson – Dango Ouattara, Justin Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo last time out – all providing a strong threat in the final third. Keeping the Bournemouth trio quiet will be Amorim’s biggest task on Sunday afternoon.

Prediction

Amorim’s side have shown signs of inconsistency and teething problems since his arrival, as expected, and Bournemouth will be looking to capitalise.

United’s last four games have seen both teams score, while Bournemouth have hit the back of the net in every match since early October. We’re going for a lively score draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.