Festive Premier League recap
Liverpool started the Christmas period with a home draw against Arsenal. In their game against Arsenal Trent Alexander-Arnold squandered a great opportunity in the second half to win the game. On ST Stephen’s Day Liverpool got a narrow 2-1 win against Burnley. Liverpool finished the Christmas period with a 4-2 home win against Newcastle. Mo Salah has been remarkable for Liverpool as he has scored 151 Premier League goals. Liverpool are currently top of the table and it’s something that not many would of predicted at the start of the season.
Arsenal had a Christmas to forget with no wins, one draw and two defeats. The lack of goals is due to Arsenal not having a natural number nine that can score double figures in a season. Arsenal conceded four goals against both Fulham and West Ham and this was unlike Arsenal as they normally have a good defence. Arsenal are now five points behind Liverpool after their two defeats. Five points is nothing but Mikel Arteta needs to sign a striker in January. Brentford striker Ivan Toney is back available for selection on 17th of January and he would be a great signing.
2023 was a great year for Manchester City with winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Man City returned to Premier League duty with two wins against both Everton and Sheffield United. Man City are in a great position as they are only three points behind Liverpool. Man City are still the team to beat in my opinion as they have the best squad in the Premier League. Kevin De Bruyne was back on the bench for Man City’s game against Sheffield United and his return to fitness will be like signing a new player.
Aston Villa had an opportunity to go top of the table on 22nd of December 2023 but squandered that chance as they only drew against Sheffield United. On St Stephen’s Day Aston Villa were comfortable at half time with a two-nil lead against Manchester United. In the second half Aston Villa crumbled especially in trying to play offside and ended up losing 3-2 to Man United. It looked like their Christmas period was going to end in a disaster as Burnley equalised but Aston Villa were able to score a late goal to win 3-2. Aston Villa’s late win against Burnley will be a good confidence boost for the players heading into the second half of the season. Aston Villa are currently second in the table and three points behind Liverpool.
Tottenham Hotspur have bounced back after their defeat against Brighton with a home win against Bournemouth. Spurs are currently in fifth position and only one point behind fourth placed Arsenal. The Premier League is very competitive this season as Spurs are only six points behind Liverpool. Son Heung-min has been fantastic as he has scored 12 goals in 2023/2024 Premier League. Spurs are looking forward to having James Maddison fit again in February.
West Ham have been fantastic lately with wins in December against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Man United. With both Chelsea and Man United struggling this year could be a different top four which gives West Ham encouragement. Losing Declan Rice hasn’t effected them as James Ward-Prowse has been outstanding and Jarrod Bowen has scored 11 goals in 2023/2024 Premier League. West Ham are currently in sixth position and are six points behind fourth placed Arsenal.
Brighton and Manchester United are level on 31 points in seventh and eight position. Brighton got a fantastic home win against Spurs but followed it up with a good away draw against West Ham. Man United have been terrible with multiple bad performances and it looks like they will finish outside the Champions League places this season. Newcastle are in ninth on 29 points and they have been poor lately especially been without their number one goalkeeper Nick Pope. Chelsea make up the top 10 on 28 points.
The climax of 2023/2024 Premier League season will be very exciting.