EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 16 Recap

The English Premier League action resumes this weekend after a hectic stretch of matches, with the holiday season providing one last opportunity to watch our teams before the Christmas fixtures next week. As the first half of the season approaches its conclusion, the league remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. Last weekend delivered its usual share of drama and excitement, with significant movement in the top four and the league table tighter than ever. Fifth-placed Manchester City are only five points ahead of 13th-placed Manchester United, who clinched a last-minute victory over City at the Etihad. Liverpool remain atop the table with 36 points, despite being held to draws in their last two matches. Chelsea sit in second, just behind, with a game in hand. Arsenal, also coming off two consecutive draws, hold onto third place, while Nottingham Forest have surged into fourth, displacing City, with Bournemouth rounding out the top six. At the other end of the table, Southampton are firmly rooted to the bottom, with Wolves just above them. The third relegation spot looks likely to be contested between Ipswich and Leicester City as things stand. Here’s your weekly recap and preview as the season heats up!

Arsenal 0-0 Everton

Arsenal were left frustrated at the Emirates, unable to break down a stubborn Everton side. Despite dominating possession—80% in the first half—the Gunners managed just one shot on target by the half-hour mark. Sean Dyche’s men were organized and disciplined with Jordan Pickford producing five crucial saves to deny Arsenal. For the Gunners, Ødegaard’s withdrawal in the second half signaled their growing struggles to find attacking fluency. Arsenal are now without an open-play goal in three matches, and Arteta’s side risks losing pace in the title race if they fail to rediscover their spark soon.

Liverpool 2-2 Fulham

Liverpool’s fighting spirit earned them a point despite playing with ten men for much of the game. Andrew Robertson’s early red card put the Reds under pressure, and Fulham capitalized as Pereira volleyed home Antonee Robinson’s brilliant cross. Muniz restored Fulham’s lead in the 76th minute after Gakpo had equalized for Liverpool. However, Liverpool refused to go quietly. The returning Jota came off the bench to score the equalizer late on, marking his his eighth goal as a substitute since 2020, while Salah’s assist for Gakpo marked his 100th for the club. Robinson, meanwhile, was Fulham’s standout performer, registering two assists and showcasing his immense influence on both ends of the pitch as he is looking like one of the best wing backs in the league currently.

Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester City’s struggles deepened with a second-half collapse against their city rivals. Guardiola’s men took the lead through Gvardiol’s header, but their fragility showed as United struck twice late on. City’s attack looked flat, with Haaland kept quiet and De Bruyne failing to create clear chances. The night belonged to United’s Amad Diallo. His energetic pressing and relentless running epitomized Amorim’s new system, capped by his superb strike to seal the comeback with Bruno Fernandes equalizing earlier from the spot after Diallo won the penalty. City’s dismal run now extends to one win in their last 11 matches and things are not looking good on the season so far.

Chelsea 2-1 Brentford

Chelsea continued their upward trajectory with a fifth straight win, edging Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Cucurella opened the scoring with a header before Jackson sealed the victory late on. Brentford’s Mbeumo struck a consolation goal in stoppage time, but their horrific away form, with just one point from eight matches, proved their undoing again. Cole Palmer and Sancho were lively throughout, orchestrating Chelsea’s attack and creating the most chances. The Blues are now firmly in the title conversation as they sit within touching distance of the top.

Newcastle United 4-0 Leicester City

Newcastle produced a statement win at St. James’ Park, ruthlessly dismantling an in-form Leicester under Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Alexander Isak bagged a brace, while Lewis Hall shone with two assists as Newcastle piled on the pressure, finishing with 27 shots and an xG of 3.79. Leicester were completely overwhelmed, managing just one shot on target all match. For van Nistelrooy, it was a humbling first defeat as manager and a stark reminder of the work ahead with the Foxes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Ipswich Town

Ipswich snatched a dramatic stoppage-time victory, capitalizing on Wolves’ set-piece woes. Jack Taylor’s late winner marked the 13th set-piece goal Wolves have conceded this season, a glaring weakness that continues to haunt them. Cunha had equalized earlier for Wolves but missed a glorious chance to win it late on. For Ipswich, this was a vital three points that ended their winless run and reignited their survival hopes while for Wolves, their worrying season continues, albeit now, with a new manager at the helm.

Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest produced yet another late show to secure all three points at the City Ground. After Durán gave Villa the lead, Forest’s fightback began with Milenkovic’s header in the 88th minute. Elanga then completed the comeback with a stoppage-time winner, sending the Forest faithful into jubilation. Villa’s away form remains concerning, as they managed just two shots on target and an xG of 0.42, a stark contrast to their home performances. Forest’s resilience continues to push them closer to the top four.

Brighton & Hove Albion 1-3 Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace claimed bragging rights in the M23 Derby with a commanding display at the Amex. Ismaila Sarr stole the show with two goals and an assist, while Chalobah opened the scoring early on. Palace’s defensive solidity and clinical finishing made the difference as they look rejuvenated after their poor start to the season. Brighton enjoyed plenty of possession but failed to convert, suffering their first home defeat of the season.

Southampton 0-5 Tottenham Hotspur

A ruthless first half saw Spurs dismantle Southampton, scoring all five goals before the interval. Maddison, Son, and Kulusevski ran riot as Tottenham exposed Southampton’s defensive frailties with ease. For Southampton, the defeat proved to be Russell Martin’s last in charge as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

AFC Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United

Enes Ünal’s stunning 90th-minute free-kick rescued Bournemouth a deserved point after a relentless attacking display. West Ham had taken the lead through a Paquetá penalty, but Fabianski’s heroics weren’t enough to secure the win. Bournemouth recorded 29 shots, reflecting their attacking intent, but missed opportunities cost them of the three points.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 17 Preview

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024

Aston Villa vs. Manchester City – 7:30 AM

Manchester City’s title defense is hanging by a thread after their derby defeat, and a trip to Villa Park is hardly the ideal rebound fixture. Villa’s home form has been stellar, while City are winless in their last 11 matches, with Guardiola’s side lacking their usual precision and defensive solidity. Watkins will look to exploit City’s vulnerability, while Durán’s physical presence could cause further issues for a fragile backline. City’s attack remains a concern. Haaland has been isolated in recent weeks, and with KDB unable to unlock defenses as effectively, Pep’s side must rediscover their spark. A draw feels like the most likely outcome unless something changes drastically with Villa the closer side to a victory.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City

Brentford vs. Nottingham Forest – 10:00 AM

Brentford will be eager to turn their fortunes around after another away loss, but they remain formidable at home. Nottingham Forest, however, are flying high after their late heroics against Aston Villa and have their sights set on an unlikely Champions League push. Elanga’s pace and Gibbs-White’s creativity will test Brentford’s defense, while Bryan Mbeumo remains the Bees’ most reliable attacking threat. This will be a battle of resilience and grit, but Forest’s momentum might just carry them through.

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Ipswich Town vs. Newcastle United – 10:00 AM

Ipswich’s dramatic victory over Wolves has given them renewed confidence, but Newcastle’s dominant win last weekend suggests they might have rediscovered their edge. With Isak back in clinical form and Lewis Hall providing dynamism down the left, Newcastle should control proceedings against an Ipswich side that continues to struggle defensively. I expect Ipswich to remain competitive, but Newcastle’s firepower will likely prove too much.

Prediction: Ipswich Town 0-2 Newcastle United

West Ham United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – 10:00 AM

West Ham’s set-piece prowess and physicality will test Brighton, who fell apart defensively against Crystal Palace. Bowen and Soucek remain key for the Hammers, while Brighton’s Mitoma will look to exploit spaces on the flanks. Brighton’s inability to defend counterattacks could be their undoing, particularly against a well-organized West Ham side. This will be a hard-fought encounter, but the Hammers’ efficiency in key moments and their home field advantage gives them the edge.

Prediction: West Ham United 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal – 12:30 PM

Arsenal’s struggles in breaking down low blocks will face another stern test at Selhurst Park. Palace enter the match brimming with confidence after their derby win, and Ismaila Sarr’s recent form provides them with a direct, dangerous outlet in attack alongside Mateta and Eze. For Arsenal, Ødegaard must rediscover his influence, and the Gunners’ attack needs to fire early to avoid frustration. Saka and Martinelli will be key in stretching Palace’s compact defense, but another disjointed display could see Arteta’s men drop further behind the leaders.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Arsenal

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2024

Everton vs. Chelsea – 9:00 AM

Chelsea’s upward trajectory continues as they face a tough Everton side at Goodison Park. Everton’s defensive solidity has been their hallmark, but Chelsea’s attacking duo of Cole Palmer and Jackson is proving increasingly difficult to stop. Sean Dyche’s side will rely on Pickford’s heroics again, but unless Everton can pose more of a threat in transition, Chelsea’s quality should shine through.

Prediction: Everton 0-2 Chelsea

Fulham vs. Southampton – 9:00 AM

Fulham will see this as the perfect opportunity to pick up three points against a Southampton side in disarray. Antonee Robinson’s form makes him a key attacking outlet, and the partnership of Iwobi and Andreas Pereira should cause problems for Southampton’s leaky backline. Southampton’s confidence is at rock bottom following their hammering at Spurs, and without a manager, avoiding relegation is looking increasingly unlikely. Fulham should win this comfortably.

Prediction: Fulham 3-0 Southampton

Leicester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 9:00 AM

Leicester return home after their humbling defeat to Newcastle, desperate to bounce back. Wolves, meanwhile, are in turmoil after their set-piece woes cost them against Ipswich and led to managerial changes. I expect Leicester to press aggressively, with Jamie Vardy key to unlocking Wolves’ vulnerable defense. Unless Wolves can solve their set-piece issues overnight, which they have not with Vitor Pereira just signing a contract two days ago, Leicester have the upper hand.

Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United vs. AFC Bournemouth – 9:00 AM

Fresh off their dramatic derby win, Manchester United will look to keep momentum rolling against Bournemouth. Amad Diallo’s energy and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity make United heavy favorites, especially against a Bournemouth side prone to lapses in defensive concentration. Bournemouth, however, will pose a threat through their relentless attacking approach. Enes Ünal’s recent form makes him a wildcard, but United’s superior quality should prevail.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool – 11:30 AM

The weekend’s standout fixture pits two attack-minded sides against each other. Tottenham’s devastating front three—Son, Kulusevski, and Maddison, alongside Dominik Solanke—will look to capitalize on Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly down the flanks. Liverpool, on the other hand, will hope Salah and Jota continue their fine form. The Reds have proven resilient in adversity, but playing away against a free-scoring Spurs side will test their title credentials. I expect goals and high drama in this one.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Liverpool