Saturday, December 27th: EPL Matchweek 18 Highlights
Manchester United (1 – 0) Newcastle United | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Manchester United | Newcastle United
Venue: Old Trafford📍
Man United Squad | Manchester United (1 – 0) Newcastle United | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Shaw
- Cunha
- Martínez
- Ugarte
- Lammens
- Mount
- Sesko
- Heaven
- Casemiro
- P. Dorgu – Midfielder- (Man of the Match)
- Dalot
Substitute Players
- Altay Bayindir
- Joshua Zirkzee
- Tyrell Malacia
- Leny Yoro
- Tyler Fredricson
- Jack Fletcher
- Tyler Fletcher
- Shea Lacey
- Bendito Mantato
Newcastle United Squad | Manchester United (1 – 0) Newcastle United | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Murphy
- Tonali
- Miley
- Woltemade
- Guimarães
- Thiaw
- Ramsdale
- Schär
- Gordon
- Ramsey
- Hall
Substitute Players
- Nick Pope
- Joelinton
- Yoane Wissa
- Harvey Barnes
- Joe Willock
- Alex Murphy
- Leo Shahar
- Sean Neave
- Sam Alabi
Match Summary
In the first match of EPL Matchweek 18 on Boxing Day, Patrick Dorgu turned out to be Manchester United’s man of the match, scoring his first goal for the club with a brilliant left-footed volley in the first half to secure a (1-0) win against Newcastle.
United managed the victory despite missing Bruno Fernandes due to his injury in matchweek 17. Newcastle pushed for an equalizer, with Lewis Hall hitting the bar. After this encounter, their winless streak extended to three Premier League games. However, this win lifts Man Utd to fifth position, just behind Chelsea on goal difference, while Newcastle remains in 11th place in the League’s table.
Highlights of the Game
- Both teams had early attacking chances from corners. Man Utd’s Casemiro headed over, while the keeper Senne Lammens saved Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães’ close header.
- The goal came in the 24th. Dalot’s long throw dropped to Dorgu, who smashed a left-foot shot past the keeper.
- Man Utd almost made it a (2-0) around the hour mark when Šeško hit the crossbar from a tight angle instead of successfully converting the shot.
- Newcastle went close soon after, too. Hall hit the bar, and Anthony Gordon shot across the goal and wide.
- Dalot missed a big chance late on, firing over when he was through on goal.
- Newcastle pushed hard at the end, but couldn’t score. Gordon and Lewis Miley both shot just over as they ran out of time.
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Managerial Quotes
Manchester United (Ruben Amorim)
“Really happy and also with Manuel Ugarte, who is struggling, but today he did a very good job. I liked the way the bench was living the game. I think everyone stepped up with that role of leadership and helped to win the game.”
Analytical note:
Amorim appreciated Man of the Match Patrick Dorgu’s first goal in this encounter. While giving him special recognition for his play, the coach appreciated every player’s effort as they collectively made this win possible against Newcastle.
“It’s a frustrating game. In the first half, it was there for us to grab and we didn’t, and I was disappointed with our performance at halftime. The second half was a lot stronger. I thought we dominated the game in terms of possession and chances. It was that elusive first goal; if we get it the win is there for us.”
Analytical note:
Howe reflected on the game with a tone of disappointment in the players’ performances. He addressed the team for having the possession and opportunities to turn the result around, but regretted how they couldn’t capitalize on any of the chances.
Nottingham Forest (1 – 2) Manchester City | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Nottingham Forest | Manchester City
Venue: The City Ground📍
Nottingham Forest Squad | Nottingham Forest (1 – 2) Manchester City | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Williams
- Hudson-Odoi
- Domínguez
- Murillo
- Victor
- Milenkovic
- Anderson
- Gibbs-White
- Jesus
- Hutchinson
- Savona
Substitute Players
- Morato
- Taiwo Awoniyi
- Douglas Luiz
- Arnaud Kalimuendo
- James McAtee
- Matz Sels
- Dilane Bakwa
- Oleksandr Zinchenko
- Zach Abbott
Manchester City Squad | Nottingham Forest (1 – 2) Manchester City | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Nunes
- Silva
- R. Cherki -Midfielder – (Man of the Match)
- Dias
- Haaland
- González
- Donnarumm
- Foden
- Gvardiol
- Reijnders
- O’Reilly
Substitute Players
- James Trafford
- Nathan Aké
- Rodri
- Savinho
- Abdukodir Khusanov
- Ryan McAidoo
- Divine Mukasa
- Rico Lewis
- Reigan Heskey
Match Summary
Rayan Cherki became the standout player as Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest with a 2–1 score in a tough encounter. Earlier in the game, he assisted Tijjani Reijnders’ opening goal, then later scored the late winning goal himself in the 83rd minute.
Meanwhile, Forest had also put up a great challenging competition and equalized through Omari Hutchinson’s goal early in the second half, but City took its lead again later in the game. This win keeps City in the top half of the League’s table in the second position since Arsenal occupies the first position with its win in the third encounter of Matchweek 18, while Forest remains at 17th position due to their back-to-back losses.
Highlights of the Game
- Forest nearly scored early when Hudson-Odoi crossed in a possible scoring shot, but Gibbs-White had missed the chance in a slow first half.
- In the second half, City scored their opening goal when Cherki assisted Reijnders through a pass, which he scored successfully to take the lead for his team.
- Cherki then tried his luck himself, but the Forest keeper pushed his shot onto the post.
- Forest equalized with (1-1) when Gibbs-White helped set up a cross that Hutchinson successfully converted as his first goal for the club.
- Forest players pressed hard for the winning goal and challenged City, while the Forest keeper later stopped City’s Foden at close range.
- City got their winning goal in the 83rd minute, when a corner fell to Cherki, who then struck a quick shot into the goal, making it 2-1 on the scoreboard.
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Managerial Quotes
Nottingham Forest (Sean Dyche)
“We’ve all seen it back. It’s an awful thing when you’ve played so well to come in and have to talk about officials affecting the game, but they clearly did, and I think everybody watching at home would have seen that. [It was] such an easy game to referee, in my opinion, such an easy decision for VAR.”
Analytical note:
Dyche expressed his anger at the situation that he believed to have been influenced by the officials because, according to him, the situation was very straightforward, and despite protests from the home crowd and players, the officials ruled there was no foul. Here, the coach argued that the referee and VAR should have made the correct call easily. That’s why he’s annoyed, as it shouldn’t have been controversial at all, making it clear how unhappy he was with that decision.
Manchester City (Pep Guardiola)
“Three points, but it’s a massive three points, mainly for the quality of the opposition … Sean Dyche has created a proper team, because they’re so good.”
Analytical note:
City’s head coach had a deeper insight into their opponents. He highlighted the great potential that Dysche’s team is building into with every encounter. In his closing words, he acknowledged how winning three points with such challenging opponents is a big win for the club.
Arsenal (2 – 1) Brighton and Hove Albion | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Arsenal | Brighton and Hove Albion
Venue: Emirates Stadium📍
Arsenal Squad | Arsenal (2 – 1) Brighton and Hove Albion |EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Lewis-Skelly
- Merino
- Trossard
- Hincapié
- Raya
- Saliba
- Zubimendi
- Gyökeres
- D. Rice – Defender – (Man of the Match)
- Ødegaard
- Saka
Substitute Players
- Gabriel Magalhães
- Gabriel Jesus
- Eberechi Eze
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Christian Nørgaard
- Noni Madueke
- Ethan Nwaneri
- Marli Salmon
Brighton and Hove Albion Squad | Arsenal (2 – 1) Brighton and Hove Albion | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Kadioglu
- Coppola
- Gruda
- Ayari
- Rutter
- van Hecke
- Verbruggen
- Hinshelwood
- Gómez
- Dunk
- De Cuyper
Substitute Players
- Yankuba Minteh
- Tom Watson
- Danny Welbeck
- Charalampos Kostoulas
- James Milner
- Olivier Boscagli
- Jason Steele
- Mats Wieffer
- Joël Veltman
Match Summary
Arsenal reclaimed their top of the Premier League position after a tense win of (2–1) against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium. Martin Ødegaard gave Arsenal an early lead in the game. And when Declan Rice’s corner was deflected in by Georginio Rutter’s own goal to make it (2–0) for Arsenal after halftime. Brighton managed to score their first goal through Diego Gomez, but Arsenal held on to their lead with two goals and claimed the victory of the day. This win puts them two points ahead of Manchester City, who are in second position, while Brighton slip to 12th position after their five winless games.
Highlights of the Game
- Arsenal dominated the game from early on, with Saka causing trouble and setting up Ødegaard to score a long-range shot in the 14th minute.
- They kept the pressure on, but Brighton’s keeper made a great save to stop Zubimendi, and Trossard shot over before halftime.
- Early in the second half, Arsenal made it a 2–0 lead when Rutter’s deflection caused an own goal.
- However, Brighton came halfway to reduce the score gap back when Gomez smashed in a rebound from Ayari’s shot, making it (1-2) on the scoreboard.
- Brighton nearly equalized, but David Raya made a brilliant save to keep them out.
- Arsenal’s Martinelli (substituted at 82′) missed a late chance to make it (3-1) by sending Saka’s cross over the bar.
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Managerial Quotes
“Very happy with the performance, individually and collectively, so dominant. We were a big threat, so very pleased with all of that. But the margins should have been much bigger. I mean, with the amount of situations, chances, open chances that we generated through the game, it should never be (2-1).”
Analytical note:
Arteta seemed content with his players’ performance in this encounter. He addressed how the team played while being dominant throughout the play. However, at the same time, the coach hinted at how, with such a performance, the score margin should have been bigger than a narrow win.
Brighton and Hove Albion (Fabian Hürzeler)
“In the first half, we were too passive, we weren’t brave enough, and didn’t play with enough courage or personality. In the second half, we did all that. It’s about personality and courage; we showed that, but we didn’t start well and weren’t able to push out. It was a mix of believing in our own quality and pressing – and that’s what we missed.”
Analytical note:
Brighton’s coach analyzed the game with a disappointing tone that his team started to pick up on their playing potential really late in the game. He expressed that his boys should have demonstrated the right energy from the beginning of the match, and since they lacked it at that time, that had cost them three winning points.
Brentford (4 – 1) Bournemouth | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Brentford | Bournemouth
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium📍
Brentford Squad | Brentford (4 – 1) Bournemouth | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Henry
- K. Schade – Midfielder – (Man of the Match)
- Janelt
- Collins
- Kelleher
- Ajer
- Jensen
- Thiago
- Yarmoliuk
- Lewis-Potter
- Kayode
Substitute Players
- Aaron Hickey
- Ethan Pinnock
- Jordan Henderson
- Reiss Nelson
- Hákon Valdimarsson
- Mikkel Damsgaard
- Yunus Konak
- Gustavo Nunes
- Romelle Donovan
Bournemouth Squad | Brentford (4 – 1) Bournemouth | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Smith
- Jiménez
- Cook
- Kroupi
- Tavernier
- Diakité
- Petrovic
- Senesi
- Scott
- Semenyo
- Truffert
Substitute Players
- Julio Soler
- David Brooks
- Evanilson
- Ryan Christie
- Justin Kluivert
- Amine Adli
- James Hill
- Enes Ünal
- Will Dennis
Match Summary
Brentford’s Kevin Schade became man of the match as he drove Brentford to a (4-1) victory against Bournemouth on Saturday. He scored a brilliant hat-trick in this encounter. Schade opened the scoring, then Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic accidentally added an own goal , giving Brentford (2-0)before halftime. Schade then made it (3-0) early in the second half, and although Antoine Semenyo gave Bournemouth a glimmer of hope with a late goal, Schade wrapped up the game scoring his third goal in stoppage time. The win lifted Brentford to eighth position in the table, while Bournemouth stayed in 15th position, continuing their tough run.
Highlights of the Game
- Brentford scored early in the game. Igor Thiago passed the ball forward into space to Kevin Schade. Schade got past Diakite (defender), who tried to stop Schade, but Schade successfully kicked the ball into the goal.
- Brentford created and missed several other chances, but eventually got a lucky second goal before halftime when the ball got deflected off the goalkeeper Petrovic and resulted in an own goal. The score became (2-0).
- Schade scored again after halftime, tapping in a cross to make it (3–0).
- Bournemouth showed some fight, with a good save at one end and Semenyo scoring from close range, turning the score to (3-1).
- Schade ended the game late on by scoring his third goal to complete his hat-trick (4-1).
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Managerial Quotes
“I thought we were really good, particularly in the first half, the way we controlled the game. People talk about them not being in form, but I really think they’re tricky opponents.”
Analytical note:
The winning coach radiated joy in his closing speech and also addressed how their opponents are underestimated at large by others, but in reality, they were tough to go up against in this encounter.
“No, I’m concerned about our performance in the first half. I accept you can lose games, but in the second half, we were perfect. We have to look at ourselves as to why we were 45 minutes late to start the game. We can accept mistakes, missed passes, but you have to give 100%, today it was not like this in the beginning.”
Analytical note:
When the coach was asked about his team’s poor form, the manager firmly dismissed the idea, stressing that results are secondary to performance. He explained and accepted that losses can happen. However, he also highlighted the first-half display as unacceptable, in contrast to what he described as a perfect second half. His main concern was the lack of intensity at the start, noting that his side effectively began playing 45 minutes late, which is something he believes cannot be excused, regardless of mistakes or missed passes.
Burnley (0 – 0) Everton | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Burnley | Everton
Venue: Turf Moor📍
Burnley Squad | Burnley (0 – 0) Everton | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Pires
- Humphreys
- Bruun Larsen
- M. Dúbravka- Goalkeeper- (Man of the Match)
- Ekdal
- Cullen
- Broja
- Ugochukwu
- Laurent
- Walker
- Edwards
Substitute Players
- Quilindschy Hartman
- Jaidon Anthony
- Max Weiss
- Florentino
- Loum Tchaouna
- Zian Flemming
- Oliver Sonne
- Mike Trésor
- Ashley Barnes
Everton Squad | Burnley (0 – 0) Everton | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Dibling
- O’Brien
- Iroegbunam
- Tarkowski
- Beto
- Alcaraz
- Pickford
- Keane
- Garner
- McNeil
- Mykolenko
Substitute Players
- Nathan Patterson
- Thierno Barry
- Mark Travers
- Tom King
- Merlin Röhl
- Adam Aznou
- Reece Welch
- Elijah Campbell
Match Summary
Burnley’s struggles continued as they entered into Matchweek 18 of this EPL Season ’25-’26. They played out a (0-0) draw against Everton at Turf Moor this Saturday. The draw extended their winless run to nine games. Burnley’s Jacob Bruun Larsen missed his best chance in the second half, and Everton had a late penalty appeal turned down when Everton’s Dibling’s shot had hit Jaidon Anthony’s(Burnley’s substitute of 73′) arm. Zian Flemming(Burnley’s substitute of 88′) nearly snatched a late goal for Burnley but hit the post instead and was ruled offside, though replays suggested otherwise. After this draw, Burnley stayed at 19th position, which is six points from safety. While Everton, missing key attackers, slipped to 11th position after Matchweek 18.
Highlights of the Game
- On just his second league start, Tyler Dibling created Everton’s two best chances in a quiet first half, but Beto missed one, and Carlos Alcaraz’s header was straight at Burnley’s keeper Dubravka.
- Burnley’s Edwards hesitated on a chance to shoot, then set up Bruun Larsen, who couldn’t finish even with only Everton’s goalkeeper Pickford to beat.
- Beto thought he scored soon after, but Dubravka made a brilliant save on his close-range effort.
- Burnley were pushing strongly, and Bashir Humphreys took a shot, but he missed and the ball went wide. Right after that, Everton brought on Thierno Barry (substituted at 70′) who took a good shot, but Burnley’s goalkeeper made a smart save again.
- Everton’s penalty claim when Dibling’s shot hit Anthony’s arm was turned down after VAR review.
- Zian Flemming almost won it for Burnley, hitting the post late, and the shot was also ruled offside. Though it looked very close.
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Managerial Quotes
“We’re frustrated because we were very, very close today to getting the three points and we’ve not managed to do that. It’s a clean sheet, a point, and a good performance, and that’s what encourages me.“
Analytical note:
The manager expressed his frustration upon sharing a draw point when the team could have easily claimed the three winning points with that kind of performance. However, he balanced his disappointment by highlighting that even though the result fell short of expectations, the team’s solidity and level of performance remain encouraging signs moving forward.
Everton (David Moyes)
“It’s a difficult time. Lots of games and different things going on, but I was disappointed that we didn’t play better, because we can do a lot better than we played. We go away with a point and a clean sheet so there are some positives to take from it.“
Analytical note:
Moyes acknowledged the challenging schedule of the games. However, he admitted his disappointment with his team’s overall performance. He believes his team is capable of a much better performance. Despite his frustration, he pointed to the positives in the result which is of the draw point earned with the clean sheet as encouraging takeaways from an otherwise underwhelming display of performance.
Liverpool (2 – 1) Wolverhampton Wanderers | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Liverpool | Wolverhampton Wanderers
Venue: Anfield📍
Liverpool Squad | Liverpool (2 – 1) Wolverhampton Wanderers | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Kerkez
- F. Wirtz – Midfielder- (Man of the Match)
- Jones
- van Dijk
- Becker
- Mac Allister
- Ekitiké
- Konaté
- Gravenberch
- Chiesa
- Frimpong
Substitute Players
- Conor Bradley
- Cody Gakpo
- Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Andy Robertson
- Freddie Woodman
- Trey Nyoni
- Calvin Ramsay
- Rio Ngumoha
- Wellity Lucky
Wolves Squad | Liverpool (2 – 1) Wolverhampton Wanderers | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Doherty
- Mosquera
- Mané
- André
- Arokodare
- Gomes
- Bueno
- Sá
- Hee-Chan
- Krejcí
- Bueno
Substitute Players
- David Møller Wolfe
- Jørgen Strand Larsen
- Jhon Arias
- Ki-Jana Hoever
- Fer López
- Enso González
- Sam Johnstone
- Jackson Tchatchoua
- Luke Rawlings
Match Summary
Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool to help the Reds secure a tense victory of (2-1) score against Wolves at Anfield. Ryan Gravenberch had given Liverpool an early lead, and Wirtz quickly doubled their lead just before halftime. Wolves fought back in the second half, with Santiago Bueno pulling one back and reducing the margin a bit, but they couldn’t equalize the score. Both sets of fans paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota during the match, who was a Liverpool player. He also gave his three years at Molineux (Wolves) which were transformative for the club(Fans at Anfield and Molineux have established traditions of applauding in the 20th and 18th minutes, respectively, to celebrate the impact he made at both clubs.). The win moved Liverpool temporarily into fourth place, while Wolves stayed well adrift near the bottom.
Highlights of the Game
- Liverpool started strong. Hugo Ekitike faced Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera and fired a shot that hit the post.
- Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister later struck a powerful volley that had also hit the post, though there was a possible offside.
- Just before halftime, Liverpool created impactful chances.
- Gravenberch scored from Frimpong’s clever pass in the 41st minute.
- And less than two minutes later, Wirtz finished a pass from Ekitike to make it a (2-0) lead for Liverpool.
- Bueno made up for his mistake early in the second half, scoring from a rebound after Arokodare’s header was saved.
- Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Mac Allister tried shots from distance in which Jones’ shot was saved by Sa, and Mac Allister had missed the target.
- The game ended nervously, but Liverpool held on as Arokodare headed over a dangerous cross.
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Managerial Quotes
“Liverpool are doing enough things right to be winning their matches more comfortably following a nervy (2-1) victory against Premier League bottom club Wolves.”
Analytical note:
Slot commented in his closing speech that even though Liverpool is performing well overall and consistently getting results, their (2–1) win against the bottom-placed Wolves showed that they are not yet winning games with complete comfort. Despite doing many things right, the narrow winning margin suggests there are still moments of tension and areas where his team’s performance can and must be improved.
“It’s frustrating. Liverpool can force you back and we weren’t able to keep it on the transition. You can concede a goal and then to concede again after a minute is criminal. We adjusted Mane’s position, who I thought was brilliant. We didn’t win the game but we won the second half.”
Analytical note:
The manager expressed his frustration at his team’s inability to control transitions against Liverpool’s pressure. He identified this as the reason behind conceding goals. He was particularly critical of his team for allowing a second goal so quickly after the first, describing it as unacceptable in the game. Furthermore, he also acknowledged tactical adjustments and praised Mané’s repositioning after the break taking encouragement from the team’s improved response on it. He summed up his remarks on a positive note that although the match was not won, the second-half performance was a better play.
West Ham United (0 – 1) Fulham | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: West Ham | Fulham
Venue: London Stadium📍
West Ham Squad | West Ham United (0 – 1) Fulham | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Scarles
- Fernandes
- Summerville
- Kilman
- Areola
- Potts
- Bowen
- Todibo
- Paquetá
- Magassa
- Walker-Peters
Substitute Players
- Mads Hermansen
- Callum Wilson
- Konstantinos Mavropanos
- Guido Rodríguez
- Tomás Soucek
- George Earthy
- Mohamadou Kanté
- Airidas Golambeckis
- Ezra Mayers
Fulham Squad | West Ham United (0 – 1) Fulham | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Tete
- H. Wilson – Midfielder- (Midfielder)
- Lukic
- Jiménez
- Smith Rowe
- Andersen
- Leno
- Cuenca
- Berge
- Kevin
- Robinson
Substitute Players
- Harrison Reed
- Tom Cairney
- Adama Traoré
- Jonah Kusi-Asare
- Timothy Castagne
- Benjamin Lecomte
- Josh King
- Issa Diop
- Seth Ridgeon
Match Summary
Raul Jimenez scored late to give Fulham a narrow win of (1-0) over the Hammers in the London derby. The game looked like it would end goalless from both sides for majority of the time with few clear chances, until Jimenez successfully headed in Harry Wilson’s cross five minutes before Full time of the match. This win lifts Fulham into the top half of the table, while West Ham are still in 18th place, which is in the relegation zone because of losing 7 of their last 9 matches. They are five points behind Nottingham Forest, who sit just above them in 17th position.
Highlights of the Game
- Fulham started the game well. Jimenez had a shot go wide after a smart turn, and West Ham’s Areola made a strong save from Harry Wilson’s long-range effort.
- West Ham tried to respond. Bowen tested Leno from a tight angle, and Areola blocked Andersen’s curling shot with his feet.
- After halftime, West Ham came at Fulham harder, but Bowen’s chance from Magassa’s cutback went just wide.
- Callum Wilson(West Ham’s substitute of 56′) had two chances on the counter but missed both.
- Fulham stayed composed and scored later in the 85’. Ollie Scarles (West Ham) couldn’t properly clear the first cross from Harry Wilson. Then, Wilson sent in a second cross, and this time Jimenez headed it into the net to give Fulham a narrow victory of (1-0) score and their third league win in a row.
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Managerial Quotes
West Ham (Nuno Espírito Santo)
“Everybody cares, it’s not about that, but about the situation we are in. Everything bad happens to us. You can argue about the justice of the result, but the reality is we lost after what I think was an equal first half, both teams didn’t have much… Second half – we had the momentum, created situations we should have scored from, and in the end we were punished.”
Analytical note:
West Ham’s coach plainly rejected the stance of a lack of effort. He clearly pointed at the difficult situation surrounding the team and a sense that they’re continuously facing setbacks. He felt the first half of the game was evenly balanced with only few clear chances for either side, He also highlighted his team’s stronger performance in the second-half of the match, where goal-scoring opportunities were created. However, he concluded that despite their improvement, the side failed to take those chances and were punished as a result.
“A draw would not have been unfair. They had chances, we had chances. These types of games are important until the end. I thought when we scored, we were the dominant team, but of course looking at chances, shots, the draw probably would have been fair.”
Analytical note:
Silva suggested that a draw would have been a fair outcome of this encounter. As he assessed the overall attacking and defending balance from both teams in the match, he emphasised the importance of such tightly contested games being decided late, and expressed how his team held control after scoring. However, he concluded his closing remarks that a draw would likely have reflected the game more accurately.
Chelsea (1 – 2) Aston Villa | EPL Matchweek 18
xx | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Chelsea | Aston Villa
Venue: Stamford Bridge📍
Chelsea Squad | Chelsea (1 – 2) Aston Villa | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Cucurella
- Garnacho
- Fernández
- Badiashile
- Sánchez
- Palmer
- Pedro
- Chalobah
- Caicedo
- James
- Neto
Substitute Players
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Liam Delap
- Jamie Gittens
- Filip Jörgensen
- Andrey Santos
- Malo Gusto
- Wesley Fofana
- Josh Acheampong
- Estêvão
Aston Villa Squad | Chelsea (1 – 2) Aston Villa | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- McGinn
- Cash
- Kamara
- Konsa
- Malen
- Martínez
- Tielemans
- Lindelöf
- Rogers
- Buendía
- Maatsen
Substitute Players
- Ollie Watkins – Forward (substituted at 58’)- (Man of the Match)
- Lucas Digne
- Andrés García
- Jadon Sancho
- Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba
- Amadou Onana
- Lamare Bogarde
- Marco Bizot
- George Hemmings
Match Summary
Ollie Watkins got substituted at 58′ to steal the show, scoring twice in the second half as Aston Villa overcame Chelsea’s lead and dominated with a (2-1) score at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had started the game stronger, taking the lead just before half-time from a Reece James corner that glanced off Joao Pedro. But Watkins’ quick impact after coming on in the 58th minute first equalized the score and then gave Villa the winning goal, sending their fans into celebration. The win puts Villa just three points behind Arsenal, who they will face in Matchweek 19, while Chelsea fall three points outside the top four.
Highlights of the Game
- Chelsea had started the game strongly. Enzo Fernandez had a shot just wide, Joao Pedro tried a tricky flick but Villa’s Martinez saved it, and Chelsea’s James’ volley went past the goal.
- Chelsea scored in the 37th minute after James’ corner found Joao Pedro, who tapped it in right on the line.
- In the second half, Chelsea stayed on top. Villa’s McGinn almost scored an own goal, and Martinez made a smart save to stop James’ cross.
- Villa came back after the hour mark. Kamara’s shot was saved by Sanchez, but Watkins’ next attempt deflected the ball into the net.
- Late in the game, Watkins headed in another goal from Tielemans’ corner in the 84th minute, giving Villa their 11th straight win.
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Managerial Quotes
“I think for one hour, until we conceded, we dominated the game. We were very good. Unfortunately, after that, the dynamic of the game changed a little bit. I think by the time they scored to make it 1-1, we should have scored two or three more.”
Analytical note:
Maresca reflected on how the game went and revealed that he expected the team to have scored more goals with the domination they held over the game.
“We kept the same game plan we had at the first half, but the first half they were playing fantastic. They were dominating. We couldn’t get the ball easily. We were defending low, we were defending well. We didn’t concede corners, only one corner and they scored… “But we needed to be passionate and try to keep being resilient and we were speaking after the first half in the dressing room. Normally we could improve like we did because they were pushing a lot in the first half and in the second half we knew we could have our momentum, as well to control the game better than the first half.”
Analytical note:
Emery kept his tone balanced and addressed the crowd saying how his players’ had followed the same strategies throughout the game. He pointed out how their opponents dominated the first half while they were defending well. He commented on how he believed that his team would turn the game around in the second half.
Sunday, December 28th: EPL Matchweek 18 Highlights
Sunderland (1 – 1) Leeds United | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Sunderland | Leeds United
Venue: Stadium of Light📍
Sunderland Squad | Sunderland (1 – 1) Leeds United | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Cirkin
- Adingra
- Geertruida
- Alderete
- Roefs
- Le Fée
- Brobbey
- Mukiele
- Xhaka
- Rigg
- Hume
Substitute Players
- Anthony Patterson
- Dan Neil
- Eliezer Mayenda
- Romaine Mundle
- Wilson Isidor
- Leo Hjelde
- Harrison Jones
- Jenson Jones
- Tymur Tutierov
Leeds United Squad | Sunderland (1 – 1) Leeds United | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Bogle
- D. Calvert-Lewin – Forward- (Man of the Match)
- Rodon
- Aaronson
- Ampadu
- Bijol
- Perri
- Okafor
- Stach
- Struijk
- Gudmundsson
Substitute Players
- Joël Piroe
- Lukas Nmecha
- Jack Harrison
- Ao Tanaka
- Sebastiaan Bornauw
- James Justin
- Karl Darlow
- Wilfried Gnonto
- Ilia Gruev
Match Summary
In the first Premier League meeting between these clubs since December 2002, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued with his strong performance by scoring a much needed equalizer for the Whites in a (1-1) draw match at the stadium of light. Simon Adingra had given Sunderland the lead before half-time, but Calvert-Lewin who is now the first Leeds player to score in six straight Premier League games, had tapped the ball into a successful goal shortly after the break, thanks to a clever setup from Brenden Aaronson.
Sunderland had chances too, hitting the post and seeing a shot blocked, but neither side could grab the winner. After Matchweek 18, Leeds remain unbeaten in five matches and sit at 16th position, seven points clear of the relegation zone, while Sunderland sit higher up in the League’s table at seventh position.
Highlights of the Game
- The game started off slowly, but Mateta got the first clear chance and shot straight at Leno.
- In the 20th minute, Nketiah put Palace in front by running onto Wharton’s pass and hitting a low shot into the corner.
- Fulham’s Smith Rowe almost tried to attack but Palace’s Henderson blocked his shot by tipping the ball onto the bar. At 38′, Wilson attempted to score and successfully scored a curled goal after a slick passing move of one-two with Jimenez.
- Fulham thought they scored again when Iwobi’s header hit the post and Smith Rowe put in the rebound, but VAR ruled it out because Chukwueze was offside earlier in the play.
- Palace pushed hard near the end. Leno blocked Uche’s effort, but shortly after, Guehi headed in the winning goal for the team.
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Managerial Quotes
“It is expected in the Premier League. It is a good lesson. I think we are moving forward with many changes in the squad and it shows it is still possible to play good football, not perfect because it’s a learning process. We are moving forward.”
Analytical note:
Sunderland’s coach commented in his closing remarks that the game gave his team a lot of positive lessons to improve in future encounters. He is assured that his team is moving forward in terms of their performances.
“While Dominic Calvert-Lewin is “one of the best strikers in the league”, the whole team deserves credit after they earned a (1-1) draw at Sunderland.”
Analytical note:
Farke beamed with joy as he mentioned how the man of the match is a brilliant striker. However, he credits the entire team for making this win possible.
Crystal Palace (0 – 1) Tottenham Hotspur | EPL Matchweek 18
Club Reports: Crystal Palace | Tottenham Hotspur
Venue: Selhurst Park📍
Crystal Palace Squad | Crystal Palace (0 – 1) Tottenham Hotspur | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Mitchell
- Guéhi
- Pino
- Hughes
- Henderson
- Lacroix
- Mateta
- Wharton
- Devenny
- Lerma
- Clyne
Substitute Players
- Eddie Nketiah
- Christantus Uche
- Romain Esse
- Jaydee Canvot
- Borna Sosa
- Kaden Rodney
- Walter Benítez
- Dean Benamar
- Joél Drakes-Thomas
Tottenham Hotspur Squad | Crystal Palace (0 – 1) Tottenham Hotspur | EPL Matchweek 18
Starting XI Lineup
- Kudus
- Porro
- Bentancur
- Danso
- Richarlison
- Bergvall
- M. van de Ven – Defender- (Man of the Match)
- Vicario
- Gray
- Kolo Muani
- Spence
Substitute Players
- Radu Dragusin
- João Palhinha
- Mathys Tel
- Brennan Johnson
- Kota Takai
- Wilson Odobert
- Antonín Kinsky
- Ben Davies
- Dane Scarlett
Match Summary
Tottenham defeated Crystal Palace with a narrow win of (1-0) score in their final Premier League game of the calendar year 2025, thanks to Archie Gray’s first senior goal which was a late first-half header from a corner. Richarlison had assisted this goal, while had two strikes that got ruled out for being offside, while Palace missed big chances through Mateta and Devenny. Spurs move up to 11th position, just one point behind Palace, while Palace are in ninth position after a third straight league defeat.
Highlights of the Game
- Richarlison thought he scored for Spurs in the 17th minute from Porro’s cross, but VAR ruled it out because Bergvall was found to be offside in the build-up.
- Palace tried to take control, with Mateta missing chances and Wharton’s shot easily saved.
- Spurs responded in the 42nd minute with Gray tapped in Richarlison’s flick from a Porro corner.
- After the break, Palace’s Devenny missed a golden chance, and Lacroix’s header went just wide.
- Richarlison scored again, but VAR ruled him offside.
- Spurs’ Wilson Odobert(substituted at 63′) hit the post on a fast counter, and Palace’s Henderson made a late save from Bentancur.
- Spurs didn’t need another goal and held on to their win of (1-0).
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Managerial Quotes
Crystal Palace (Oliver Glasner)
“I can’t remember that we’ve dominated Tottenham like we did today – pushing them into their half, creating chances, chances, chances but at the end losing the game. The players gave all of their effort, it looked like everything worked but the most important thing, getting the ball into the goal, did not work. That is the most important part in football.”
Analytical note:
Glasner had an encouraging tone despite the loss, he focused on the core performance delivered by his players rather than talking about the outcome of this encounter. He acknowledged how the effort and attacking intents were there but striking the ball into the goal was missing which is the most important part in football at the end of the day.
Tottenham Hotspur (Thomas Frank)
“I’m so proud of the players’ discipline and resilience in their (1-0) win against Crystal Palace.”
Analytical note:
The winning coach was all praise for his team as they claimed their hard-earned victory against Palace. He admired their performance in their last encounter of calendar year 2025.
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