Premier League Matchday 17 Round Up: December 22, 2024

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Premier League Briefing Document: December 22, 2024

Overall Context

The Premier League is in full swing, with the Christmas period bringing a flurry of matches and significant shifts in the table. Liverpool have surged to the top, and a number of other teams are making headlines with impressive performances and surprising results. Several teams have new managers, and others are struggling.

Key Themes

• Liverpool's Dominance: Liverpool are the clear frontrunners, topping the league at Christmas for the first time since 2020/21. Their dominant 6-3 victory over Tottenham, fuelled by a standout performance from Mohamed Salah (2 goals and 2 assists), has solidified their position. Peter Schmeichel even suggests that "this might just be Liverpool's year".
• Quote: "Liverpool stormed four points clear at the top of the Premier League heading into Christmas with a thrilling 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur."
• Quote: "Salah breaks THREE records and goes top of goals and assists charts"
• Bournemouth's Rise: Bournemouth have been impressive, climbing to 5th place after a stunning 3-0 away victory against Manchester United. Their recent form includes back-to-back 3-0 wins and an unbeaten run of five matches. Andoni Iraola's team is described as "free-flowing" and "dreaming of Europe."
• Quote: "Bournemouth up to FIFTH after stunning win at Man Utd"
• Quote: "Andoni Iraola: 'It's an important win for us. ... I think we've been quite solid, it was a mature performance.'"
• Manchester United's Struggles: Manchester United's struggles are continuing. The 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth leaves them in 13th place and in the bottom half of the table at Christmas for the first time in Premier League history. Their vulnerability to set-pieces is highlighted, having conceded 17 goals from set pieces in the league this year.
• Quote: "It is the first time in Premier League history that Man Utd will be in the bottom half of the table at Christmas."
• Quote: "The Red Devils have conceded 17 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League in 2024; their most in a single calendar year in the competition"
• Chelsea's Inconsistency: Despite a recent five-match winning streak, Chelsea dropped points with a 0-0 draw against Everton, losing ground on leaders Liverpool. While they had more possession, they lacked cutting edge, with their inability to break down Everton's defence highlighting a need for more clinical finishing.
• Quote: "Chelsea lose ground on leaders Liverpool with goalless draw at Everton"
• Quote: "If they are to challenge for the title, then these are the types of tests Chelsea will have to come through with all three points."
• Newcastle's Resurgence: Newcastle United are showing signs of recovery. Alexander Isak's hat-trick in a 4-0 win against Ipswich has lifted their spirits, adding to the previous 4-0 victory against Leicester. They are improving in attack, and are now looking towards festive clashes with fellow European hopefuls.
• Quote: "Isak hits first Newcastle hat-trick in victory over Ipswich"
• Quote: "All of a sudden, Newcastle's frontline appears littered with go

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