Manchester United must address a persistent Jekyll-and-Hyde problem after a subdued first half at Crystal Palace. They arrived at Selhurst Park short on energy, conviction and creativity until a single moment of brilliance from Joshua Zirkzee swung the game.
All season United have shown a pattern of bright starts that they struggle to sustain, often becoming more effective after the interval. The defensive numbers underline that shift: across their first 11 fixtures this term their first-half expected goals against (xGA) stood at 5.71, rising to 11.07 in the second half. The last two matches (against Palace and Everton) were different: a first-half xGA of 1.26 fell to 0.26 after the break — matches in which United trailed early and were forced to open up.
There is also an indicator in the data that Ruben Amorim’s teams behave differently when they take an early lead — eight times in their first 11 league matches — compared with games in which they concede first. Amorim will need to guard against complacency when in front and find ways to curb United’s slow starts.
At the London Stadium Liverpool’s victory carried personal significance for Alexander Isak, who called his first Premier League goal a boost in his bid to rediscover form. Isak had been a pale imitation of last season’s sharp attacker in the first half, missing chances and losing the ball, but he finished with composure to break his drought since his £125m transfer. Arne Slot described the moment as important, and Florian Wirtz’s showing added encouragement.
Slot took the bold decision to leave Mohamed Salah out, yet Liverpool still fashioned enough openings to win with comfort. If Isak rediscovers his best touch and Slot settles on an effective role for Wirtz, Liverpool could put a run of poor results behind them and regard this game — and Isak’s goal — as a turning point.
Chelsea’s contest with Arsenal was undermined by Moises Caicedo’s growing ill-discipline. Caicedo started the game fired up and was lucky to escape punishment after a shove on Mikel Merino and a shoulder charge on Jurrien Timber. His over-enthusiasm culminated in a studs-up challenge on Merino’s ankle that warranted a red card.
Chelsea had been the better side until Caicedo’s rashness turned a promising performance into a damaging setback. He has been excellent this season and added goals to his repertoire, but the dismissal was a stark reminder he must learn to harness his aggression. Manager Enzo Maresca must stamp out that kind of indiscipline.
Arsenal found composure in a chaotic derby after Martin Odegaard’s introduction on 57 minutes. His arrival coincided with Arsenal levelling inside two minutes, and operating deeper alongside Declan Rice he helped control midfield and steady the attack — a metronomic influence the side had lacked. It was another effective cameo from a player who has repeatedly changed games from the bench this season. As Arsenal’s depth is tested, getting Odegaard fully fit will be crucial.
Crystal Palace could face a lengthy absence for Ismaila Sarr after he went down early at Selhurst Park and was withdrawn with a visibly swollen ankle. Sarr, Palace’s standout since joining from Marseille (66 appearances, 20 goals, 10 assists), may miss a number of matches and potentially be out until after the Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal begin AFCON on December 23; if they progress deep into the tournament Sarr might not return to club action until late January or February. Palace, already prioritising a January attacking signing, will regard his injury as making that recruitment more urgent.
Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory over Wolves extended a remarkable run — 10 wins from 12 in all competitions — and highlighted their curious efficiency. Boubacar Kamara’s long-range strike was one of nine Premier League goals Villa have scored from outside the box this season, more than any other side and more than Wolves’ entire tally. Despite ranking 17th for expected goals, Villa’s clinical finishing and decisive contributions from Emiliano Martinez have propelled them into the Champions League places.
Brighton avenged last season’s 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 win built around Maxim De Cuyper’s excellent performance. De Cuyper, used in a new left-wing role, was instrumental: Brighton attempted nine shots in the opening 20 minutes (their most ever in that period), he opened the scoring and finished as man of the match for chances created and crosses attempted. Forest missed Murillo, and his replacement Morato struggled, making an error that led to Brighton’s second. Sean Dyche will be keen to have Murillo fit for the crucial relegation fixture at Wolves.