Manchester United must find a way to overcome a Jekyll-and-Hyde problem after a flat first half at Crystal Palace. They lacked energy, belief and ideas at Selhurst Park until a moment of magic from Joshua Zirkzee changed the game.
Across the season United have often started well but failed to sustain early displays, frequently becoming more effective after the break. Defensively the difference is stark: across their first 11 games this season their first-half expected goals against (xGA) was 5.71, nearly doubling to 11.07 in the second half. But in the last two games (Palace and the defeat to Everton) United’s first-half xGA was 1.26, dropping to 0.26 after the break — games in which they fell behind and naturally became more attack-minded.
There’s a clue in the numbers that Ruben Amorim’s team perform differently when they go ahead early — as they did eight times in their first 11 league matches — compared to when they concede first. Amorim must guard against complacency when leading and find a way to improve those slow starts.
William Bitibiri
Liverpool’s win at West Ham felt significant for Alexander Isak, who described his first Premier League goal as something that will “help” him rediscover top form. In the first half at the London Stadium Isak had looked a shadow of last season’s Newcastle self — spurning chances and losing possession — but he finished crisply to end a wait for his first goal since his £125m move. The strike could be a turning point.
Boss Arne Slot said the moment felt important, and there was encouragement from Florian Wirtz’s performance too. Slot made the bold choice to drop Mohamed Salah and Liverpool’s attack created enough chances to win comfortably. If Isak regains his flow and Slot finds the ideal role for Wirtz, Liverpool could put their poor run behind them and view this day — and Isak’s goal — as a key moment.
Peter Smith
Chelsea were undermined by Moises Caicedo’s escalating ill-discipline in the clash with Arsenal. Fired up early, Caicedo was fortunate not to be punished for a shove on Mikel Merino and a shoulder barge on Jurrien Timber. But his over-enthusiasm culminated in a studs-up challenge on Merino’s ankle that earned a red card.
Chelsea had been the better side before that, and Caicedo’s rashness turned a potential positive into a damaging setback. He has been outstanding this season and added goals to his game, but the red card was a reminder he must learn to channel his aggression. Manager Enzo Maresca needs to eradicate such ill-discipline.
Nick Wright
Arsenal found calm in the chaotic derby through Martin Odegaard’s introduction. On 57 minutes his arrival coincided with Arsenal levelling within two minutes. Sitting deeper alongside Declan Rice, Odegaard controlled play and steadied the final third — a metronomic presence the team had lacked. It was another effective cameo from a player who has previously changed games off the bench this season. As Arsenal’s squad depth is tested, getting Odegaard fully fit will be important.
Sam Blitz
Crystal Palace may be without Ismaila Sarr for a significant spell after he went down early at Selhurst Park and was later withdrawn with an ankle that Glasner described as “quite swollen.” Sarr, Palace’s standout since joining from Marseille (66 appearances, 20 goals, 10 assists), could miss several games and potentially be absent until after the Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal begin AFCON on December 23; if they progress deep, Sarr might not return to club action until late January or February. With Palace already prioritising a January attacking reinforcement, his injury makes that recruitment even more urgent.
Dan Long
Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Wolves continued a strong run — 10 wins from 12 in all competitions — and underlined their odd efficiency. Boubacar Kamara’s long-range winner was one of nine Premier League goals Villa have scored from outside the box this season, more than any other team and more than Wolves’ entire tally. Despite ranking 17th for expected goals, Villa’s finishing efficiency and key moments from Emiliano Martinez have propelled them into the Champions League places.
Adam Bate
Brighton avenged last season’s 7-0 drubbing at Nottingham Forest with a 2-0 victory built around Maxim De Cuyper’s excellent outing. De Cuyper, deployed on the left wing in a new role, was instrumental — Brighton attempted nine shots inside the opening 20 minutes (their most ever in that period) and De Cuyper opened the scoring before finishing as man of the match for most chances created and crosses attempted. Nottingham Forest felt the absence of Murillo; his replacement Morato struggled and erred for Brighton’s second. Forest boss Sean Dyche will be keen to have Murillo fit ahead of a crucial relegation test at Wolves.
Declan Olley