EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 12 Recap

The Premier League delivered yet another week of drama, decisive victories, and shocking outcomes in Matchweek 12. Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table with a dominant win over Southampton, while Tottenham produced one of the most unexpected results of the season, dismantling Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad, sending shockwaves through the league. Arsenal handled business with a clean-sheet win over Nottingham Forest, while Chelsea and West Ham secured crucial victories to build momentum. At the bottom, Wolves continued their resurgence with a thrashing of Fulham, while Leicester suffered a damaging home defeat to Chelsea, leaving them still searching for answers under new leadership. While we didn’t land any exact score predictions this week, we improved our accuracy with five correct win/loss/draw guesses out of the ten matches. I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and is ready for more Premier League action. With that said, here’s how it all played out:

Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea

Chelsea continued their climb with a hard-fought win at Leicester, who find themselves in deeper trouble. Nicolas Jackson pounced on a defensive error by Wout Faes to put the visitors ahead early. Enzo Fernandez doubled the advantage with a sharp follow-up after Jackson’s header forced a save. While Ayew’s penalty gave Leicester brief hope, they never truly threatened Chelsea’s grip on the match. Despite 16 shots to Leicester’s four, Chelsea’s attack still showed moments of indecision—highlighted by Madueke and Palmer comedically colliding to deny what would have been a tap-in. For Leicester, this result spelled the end for Steve Cooper, whose side remains in disarray.

AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Brighton

Brighton delivered a professional performance to overcome Bournemouth in what could’ve been a tricky test. Joao Pedro opened the scoring with a poacher’s finish and later set up Mitoma to double the lead. Down to 10 men after Baleba’s red card, Brighton held firm despite constant Bournemouth pressure. Evanilson rattled the bar in the dying moments, but Brooks’ late goal was nothing more than a consolation. Brighton’s ability to control the game even when shorthanded is a testament to their top-four aspirations.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

The Emirates remained a fortress as Arsenal cruised past Nottingham Forest in a dominant display. Bukayo Saka, back to his brilliant best, opened the scoring with a curler after a delightful Ødegaard assist. Partey added a thunderous second from distance before substitute Ethan Nwaneri sealed the win with a composed finish. Forest, who had shown resilience in previous weeks, were suffocated by Arsenal’s high press and struggled to create anything meaningful. With all players healthy except for Ben White, and form carrying over from their emphatic 5-1 Champions League victory over Sporting midweek, Arsenal looks every bit the title contender they aspire to be.

Aston Villa 2-2 Crystal Palace

Villa and Palace played out a thrilling draw at Villa Park, though both sides will look back on missed opportunities. Palace struck first through Sarr, exploiting Villa’s high line, but Watkins equalized with a smart finish. Palace regained the lead when youngster Devenny netted his first Premier League goal on a blistering counterattack. However, Ross Barkley rescued Villa late with a towering header from a Tielemans corner. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but neither displayed the defensive solidity needed to secure the win.

Everton 0-0 Brentford

In a match that can only be described as “one for the purists,” Everton and Brentford played out a goalless draw that lacked a clinical touch. Jordan Pickford and Mark Flekken both made key saves to preserve their clean sheets, with Everton piling on 27 attempts but failing to find the net. Brentford, down to 10 men after a controversial red card, parked the bus and managed to hold on. Neither side will be too pleased, as this was a match both needed to win to gain some momentum.

Fulham 1-4 Wolves

Wolves delivered their most complete performance of the season, dismantling Fulham at Craven Cottage. Cunha was the star of the show, scoring twice and setting up another as Wolves tore through Fulham’s porous defense. Iwobi’s wonder strike gave the home side brief hope, but Wolves’ counterattacks were ruthless, with Guedes adding a fourth late on. Gary O’Neil’s tactical tweaks are starting to bear fruit as Wolves climb out of the relegation zone.

Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham Hotspur

This was the headline result of the weekend, as Spurs stunned Manchester City with a clinical 4-0 win at the Etihad. James Maddison celebrated his birthday in style, bagging a brace, while Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson also got on the scoresheet. Dejan Kulusevski ran the show, tormenting City’s backline all evening. Haaland’s uncharacteristic miss summed up City’s woes, as Pep Guardiola’s side slumped to their fifth consecutive loss. For Tottenham, this result solidifies their top-four credentials and adds another twist to City’s alarming decline.

Southampton 2-3 Liverpool

Liverpool showcased their grit in a rollercoaster win over Southampton at St. Mary’s. Szoboszlai’s opener capitalized on a defensive error, but Southampton fired back with goals from Armstrong and Fernandes to take a surprise lead. Salah, as ever, proved the difference—his delicate lob brought Liverpool level before his coolly taken penalty sealed the win. While Slot’s men remain atop the table, defensive lapses remain a concern as they look ahead to stronger challenges.

Ipswich Town 1-1 Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of United ended in a frustrating draw at Portman Road. Rashford gave the visitors a dream start with a goal inside the opening two minutes, but Ipswich grew into the game, equalizing through Hutchinson’s stunning long-range strike. Despite dominating possession, United struggled to break down Ipswich’s compact defense, with Onana forced into several big saves to keep the score level. Amorim’s tactical shake-ups showed potential, but the lack of cutting edge up front remains a glaring issue.

Newcastle United 0-2 West Ham United

West Ham delivered a statement win at St. James’ Park, capitalizing on Newcastle’s defensive frailties. Tomas Soucek powered home a header from a set piece to put the visitors ahead, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s late strike sealed the points. Newcastle had their chances but were left frustrated, with Wilson denied a clear penalty late on. For West Ham, this win marks a step in the right direction after a rocky start to the season, while Newcastle continues to falter in their pursuit of consistency.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 13 Preview

FRIDAY, November 29, 2024

Brighton vs. Southampton – 3:00 PM

Brighton will be looking to maintain their strong home form as they host a Southampton side that has struggled all season. The Seagulls are unbeaten at home and have proven their strength against top sides, including a recent victory over Manchester City. Mitoma’s pace and creativity on the flanks, coupled with Pedro’s finishing ability, make Brighton a formidable opponent for any team, let alone one sitting bottom of the table. Southampton, with the league’s worst away record, will need a miracle to leave the Amex with any points. Their last win at Brighton came in 2020, and given their lack of defensive organization, this seems unlikely to change.

Prediction: Brighton 3-0 Southampton

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Brentford vs. Leicester City – 10:00 AM

Brentford are still chasing their first win against Leicester in Premier League history, with the Foxes having dominated this fixture since their first meeting in 2020. However, Brentford have shown resilience recently, managing a hard-earned draw last week despite going down to 10 men. Leicester, on the other hand, are in turmoil following the sacking of Steve Cooper, and their defensive woes—11 goals conceded in their last five games—highlight the challenges they face. While a new manager bounce could spark some life into Leicester, Brentford’s organization and home advantage might finally see them break their winless streak against the Foxes.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Leicester City

Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United – 10:00 AM

Newcastle travel to Selhurst Park with momentum not on their side after a home loss to West Ham last week. Isak’s sharpness in front of goal, paired with Joelinton’s physicality, gives the Magpies a significant edge against a Crystal Palace side struggling to find form. Palace, winless in their last six games, have shown glimpses of quality but lack consistency in both attack and defense. Eze’s return could provide some spark, but Newcastle’s defensive solidity and superior firepower make them the favorites to secure all three points in a must-win game for both sides.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest vs. Ipswich Town – 10:00 AM

Forest, sitting just outside the top six, will look to bounce back after their loss to Arsenal. Chris Wood has been a key figure for the hosts, with eight goals this season, while Liam Delap’s form for Ipswich adds an intriguing subplot. Ipswich, fresh off an upset win over Tottenham and a hard-fought draw against Manchester United, are proving they can compete against stronger sides. I expect a tightly contested game, but Forest’s quality and home advantage should give them the edge in what promises to be an entertaining clash.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Ipswich Town

Wolves vs. Bournemouth – 10:00 AM

Wolves are riding high after two consecutive wins, including an emphatic 4-1 victory over Fulham. Cunha and Sarabia have hit form, giving Wolves much-needed firepower in attack. Bournemouth, by contrast, are on a two-game losing streak, struggling to find rhythm and consistency. Matches between these two sides have historically been low-scoring, with an average of two goals per game. However, Wolves’ recent resurgence and Bournemouth’s defensive frailties suggest the hosts will extend their winning run.

Prediction: Wolves 2-0 Bournemouth

West Ham vs. Arsenal – 12:30 PM

The Gunners remain one of the most consistent sides in the league, but West Ham’s organized defense and counterattacking threat, led by Bowen and Antonio, make them dangerous opponents. Arsenal will need Ødegaard and Saka to break down the Hammers’ resolute backline. I expect plenty of drama in a fixture that has delivered goals and excitement in recent years.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Chelsea vs. Aston Villa – 8:30 AM

Chelsea continue their strong form at home and face an Aston Villa side in desperate need of a win. Villa have failed to secure a victory in their last four games, and their defensive vulnerabilities have been on full display. Chelsea’s midfield, led by Cole Palmer, has been instrumental in creating chances, while Madueke and Jackson look set to capitalize on Villa’s errors. Villa will need to rediscover their sharpness in front of goal to pose a serious threat, but Chelsea’s consistency at Stamford Bridge should see them through.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa

Manchester United vs. Everton – 8:30 AM

All eyes will be on Ruben Amorim as he looks for his first win as Manchester United manager. A lackluster draw against Ipswich highlighted the work still needed to rebuild confidence, but a home match against a goal-shy Everton side presents the perfect opportunity to turn things around. Everton have struggled mightily in attack, failing to score against a 10-man Brentford side last week. With Hojlund, Fernandes, and Garnacho leading the charge, United should have enough to take the three points and build momentum.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Everton

Tottenham vs. Fulham – 8:30 AM

Tottenham’s stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester City has reinvigorated their top-four hopes, and they’ll be looking to carry that momentum into this London Derby. Fulham, fresh off a disastrous 4-1 loss to Wolves, need a response but face an uphill battle against an energized Spurs side. Son, Maddison, and Kulusevski were unstoppable last week, and they’ll look to exploit Fulham’s defensive gaps. While Fulham’s Jimenez can cause problems for Spurs’ shaky backline, the hosts should have too much firepower in this one.

Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Fulham

Liverpool vs. Manchester City – 11:00 AM

The biggest clash of Matchweek 13 sees first-place Liverpool take on a faltering Manchester City at Anfield. City’s defensive vulnerabilities have been laid bare in recent weeks, and they face a Liverpool side in red-hot form. Salah, with six goals and two assists in his last five games, remains the focal point of Liverpool’s attack and could once again be the difference-maker. For City, Haaland’s lack of recent involvement in big games will be a concern, and Guardiola will need a tactical masterclass to avoid falling further behind in the title race. Expect a tense, high-stakes encounter where Liverpool’s form might edge them past a struggling City side.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City