Chelsea are moving closer to the top, but title references seem less convincing
Chelsea succeeded where Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City had failed by winning at home, but if they had been punished by Brentford, as they might have been, it might as well have been their own fault.
Robert Sanchez and Chelsea's options at center back have been highlighted as their Achilles heel, but it was their inability to finish off Brentford and the way they ultimately conceded – from their own attacking throw – that lends some credibility to Enzo Maresca's insistence. they are not ready to fight for the title.
From the outside, this could be a perfect example of a team winning without playing well – the mark of any good team. But the way Chelsea let Brentford, a team that had lost six of seven on the road, out of nowhere wrestle back control of the match and come within inches of something is another sign of maturing is still developing.
The Blues have still come a very long way under Maresca. While their title rivals all have established, experienced names through the backbone of the team, Chelsea are still on their way up. They're getting there, but they still have a way to go.Ron Walker
Amorim ends United's dismal big-six record on derby debut
When Ruben Amorim's Sporting defeated Pep Guardiola's Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, Manchester United fans dreamed of what was to come. It didn't take long for him to get his first taste of a Manchester derby, just five Premier League games into his tenure, but it marks a significant step towards progress.
Catalyzing a late comeback win, Amad Diallo ended a poor away performance against the big six. Ruben Amorim recorded United's first win away from home against a major rival since a 3-0 victory over Tottenham in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United's performance was far from outstanding against a struggling City, but there was plenty of courage and control away from home, with expected goals reflected in the scoreline, with City's 0.95 to United's 2.08.
As Amorim is quick to remind us, United is a project that will require both time and patience, but the early signs are promising. William Bitibiri
Fragile City is a shadow of the mentality machines that dominated the Premier League
Matheus Nunes must have wanted the ground to swallow him up. The dreadful back pass, the panicky penalty giveaway… and then watching Manchester United use the momentum of that gifted equalizer to score a derby day winner less than 60 seconds later.
He is not the first City player to make glaring, game-defining mistakes during this shocking run of results. This last gasp from City was reminiscent of the surrender against Feyenoord, when a mistake by Josko Gvardiol caused an implosion.
The city is so vulnerable right now. Pep Guardiola's side – like their neighbors – were disappointing and unconvincing for much of this match. But the real concern is how a team that has been so resilient and machine-like in winning four Premier League titles in a row can now simply concede when they have a game in hand. That is a problem that is more difficult to solve than drops in form or tactical errors. Peter Smith
Low moments outweighed the fleeting glimpses for Martin this season
Russell Martin had so much credit in the bank after promotion from the Championship when he first asked for it last season, that when their first season in the Premier League didn't go quite to plan at first, the Southampton hierarchy turned to their man held. .
He stuck to his principles and continued to play the possession-based game he is known for even when the chips were down and the doubters were not there, determined to make it work. There have been fleeting moments of promise, that much is true, but the low moments have far outweighed them.
They were top early on against Manchester United in September, but a missed penalty changed the game and they were defeated 3–0. A month later they were 2-0 up against Leicester, seemingly on course for their first win, but somehow ended up losing 3-2. They took on Liverpool at the end of November – shortly after losing only 1-0 at Man City – but mistakes that day cost them dearly.
There were some boos when Tottenham scored the opener on Sunday night, but there was a mass exodus when they were 4-0 down inside half an hour – as were the first real calls for Martin's head, which grew louder and more intense as the match went on. . After the whistle – at which point he had already disappeared into the tunnel – cameras picked up a banner reading “RM Get Out Of Our Club”.
At his post-match press conference, the 38-year-old spoke about how “as a manager it hurts a lot” to hear the chants, although he made it clear he did not take it personally. “It's not personal; I don't know them, they don't know me. So it's a criticism of the work I do, I understand that,” he said.
Asked if fans would get their wish, he added: “No idea, mate. No idea. You're talking to the wrong man.” Unfortunately for him, the right person fulfilled the fans' wish just an hour after he said those words.
Sarr the star as Crystal Palace's revival continues
If there's ever been a time to deliver a near-perfect performance, your club's biggest game of the season is a good place to do it – just ask Ismaila Sarr.
The forward scored twice and assisted Crystal Palace's third in a match-winning turn against Brighton, which earned him the Player of the Match award from co-commentator Lee Hendrie.
It is the second time this season that he has both scored and assisted in an away match in the Premier League, also against Aston Villa. Only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (3) has produced more such displays so far in the 2024/25 season.
Sarr also topped the charts in a number of statistical categories and is in the midst of a much-needed improvement in form for the Eagles.
They are now unbeaten in their last five Premier League games – losing just once in the last eight – and have built a four-point lead over the bottom three.
Performance has also improved a lot. Palace needed all their defensive might in the second half as Brighton threw the kitchen sink at them. Apart from an unfortunate Marc Guehi own goal, they did well to keep the Seagulls at bay.
Things finally seem to be looking up for the Eagles, who could have easily pulled the trigger on Oliver Glasner earlier this season. But they are being rewarded for their faith as Palace hit the right heights ahead of the busy festive period. Charlotte Marsh
Brighton lack ruthless streak to challenge for the top four
Ipswich, Wolves, Southampton, Leicester and now Crystal Palace. Brighton have proven they are not bullies against the bottom of the league.
They squandered a two-goal lead at Leicester, wilted late at Fulham and allowed Southampton to earn a point during their current four-match winless run.
The warning signs came after two unlikely late goals in a 2-2 draw at home to Wolves in October. Brighton have thrown away points at will.
They flirted with the top four early in the season but now risk missing out on European football altogether after spending £192m in the summer – unless they become more ruthless. David Richardson
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