Matheus Cunha has made his future plans clear, stating: “I need to take that next step”.
The Wolves star is set to be one of the most in-demand stars in the Premier League this summer with the prospect of a big-money switch on the cards.
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Cunha has made his future plans very clearCredit: Getty
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.
The Brazilian forward penned a new contract at Molineux to dampen the interest in his services but addressing his future, Cunha told the Guardian that he hopes to move on.
“I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it,” he said.
““Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.
“Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step.
“I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
Despite looking to move on, Cunha opened up about the love he’s felt since leaving Atletico Madrid for Wolves in January 2023.
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Cunha has been a shining star since joining Wolves two years agoCredit: Getty
“Sometimes all we want in life is affection,” Cunha says.
“People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too. We need a bit of understanding – we have our difficulties.
“Wolves gave me that joy back. The fans [have given] me a lot.
“The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”
Paying special credit to Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, Cunha said: “Gary understood me completely.
“He came in and said: ‘Man, I think you’re an incredible person, but you need affection. And I’m going to give you affection. I’m going to complain when I need to complain, but I’m almost going to be family for you.’
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He’ll be hoping to leave Wolves on a highCredit: Getty
“When someone sees something in you beyond the player, it touches you.
“These conversations and these lessons were of great importance in my life.”
Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands.
Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.
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Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League games for Wolves this seasonCredit: Getty
The Brazilian has since signed a new contract at Molineux with a £62million release clause that kicks in this summer.
Elliott Anderson is currently Forest’s most expensive player ever at £35m.
Nuno Espirito Santo has sensationally guided the Tricky Trees to third place in the Premier League with nine matches remaining.
They are seven points clear of sixth-place Newcastle, with England’s top five clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League in the current UEFA co-efficient rankings.
READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE
Wolves, meanwhile, are still looking over their shoulders in 17th place, with nine points separating them from the drop zone.
Their next two matches – against West Ham and relegation rivals Ipswich – could all-but seal survival.
However, star man Cunha will play no part in either fixture after being given an extended four-match ban and a £50,000 fine for violent conduct during the FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth.
Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Cunha has been a revelation for Wolves this season despite his disciplinary issues
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Nottingham Forest and Wolves are competing at opposite ends of the table
In front of goal, Cunha has been crucial to Wolves’ survival bid, scoring 13 times in 26 games and grabbing four assists.
Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023, the Brazil international has 27 goals in the top-flight.
Forest, meanwhile, have been inspired by the outstanding form of striker Chris Wood – who is fourth in this season’s Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.
The 33-year-old has played every match for Forest in the Premier League this campaign, netting 18 times.
Speaking after the most recent 4-2 win over Ipswich, Espirito Santo insisted there is still a long way to go before Forest secure a most unlikely Champions League spot.
“You know what I think about the table,” Nuno said.
“What we have to do is focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”
Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha left his side a man down and out of the FA Cup with a bizarre last minute red card.
With the match level and heading into extra-time stoppage-time, the Brazilian forward lashed out at Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in shocking scenes.
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Cunha gave the referee no choiceCredit: AFP
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He’d earlier scored a stunner to keep his side aliveCredit: Getty
The Hungarian defender pulled at his shirt and Cunha lashed out with his arms, gifting Kerkez the opportunity to hit the deck, and then he was put back there from a headbutt after standing back up.
Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams had to wrestle the Wolves captain away, and the referee had a simple decision to send him off.
That left Wolves a man down for the shootout, with Cunha playing his part in getting them there.
His earlier equaliser in the 60th minute, cancelling out Evanilson’s opener to force extra time.
And what a goal it was, too, as he beat the keeper from 30 yards with a sweet strike into the top corner for his 15th of the season in all competitions.
Yet with their best player missing, Wolves couldn’t get the job done from the spot and crashed out in dramatic scenes.
Dean Huijsen missed for the hosts to give Wolves a shoot-out advantage, but Matt Doherty then did the same to force sudden death.
There, Boubacar Traore missed again for Wolves, sending the visitors out when Cunha could well have been crucial in the shoot-out.
Cunha has been the difference for Vitor Pereira’s side this season, scoring 15 goals and managing four assists.
Yet they’ll now have to do with their talisman for an extended period thanks to two reasons.
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The referee won’t have an easier decision all seasonCredit: Rex
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He’s earlier scored a stunner to level things up
One is the headbutt being violent conduct, and the other his that the 25-year-old has already been suspended this season.
In December he was handed a three-match ban, reduced to two, for pulling off an Ipswich staff member’s glasses during a touchline scrap.
With that factored in, Cunha is expected to miss at least four games, which are Everton, Southampton, West Ham and Ipswich.
Thanks to Cunha it looked like Wolves were pulling out of the relegation picture, but without their star man the five-point gap to the bottom three could well start to disappear.
As for Bournemouth, the Champions League-chasing Cherries are now through to the FA Cup quarter finals for only the third time in their history, and look well on course for one of their greatest-ever seasons.
Matheus Cunha is set to sign a new long-term contract at Wolves, talkSPORT understands.
It’s understood that the new deal is virtually agreed and as a result it’s only a matter of time before he commits his future to the club.
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Matheus Cunha is set to extend his stay with WolvesCredit: Getty
Cunha has been tipped for a move away from the club in this January transfer window, with Manchester United linked.
This link was heightened when the forward appeared to like a social media post that suggested he would move to Old Trafford.
Speculation has risen about a potential switch to Tottenham too, with Jason Cundy suggesting in November that he’s bound to leave for bigger and better things.
Cundy told talkSPORT: “This boy has got so much quality.
“Ball at his feet, he travels at pace, there ain’t many players that can travel with the same pace with the ball at their feet than they can in a sprint.
“He will end up leaving Wolves, he’s going to end up being too good for them, he’s a top, top player.”
However that speculation will now be quashed for the foreseeable.
Cunha has scored 10 goals in 19 Premier League appearances so far this season while also providing four assists.
The striker is Wolves’ key man and his performances have led to his side rising out of the relegation zone.
Signing him to a new long-term contract will be a major boost for the club and new manager Vitor Pereira.
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Cunha has been outstanding for Wolves this season
Wolves will be desperate to keep hold of their key players with the club sitting perilously close to the relegation zone at the midway point in the season.
But with Cunha set to extend his stay, fans will be hopeful that he can inspire the team to top flight survival.
Wolves star Matheus Cunha has been handed a two-match ban and fined £80,000 after a misconduct charge.
The forward has been punished by the FA following an altercation with an Ipswich staff member earlier in December.
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Cunha will be missed by Wolves having been their standout player this seasonCredit: Getty
Cunha will miss the Premier League clash at home to Nottingham Forest on January 6 and the FA Cup third round trip to Bristol City.
The 25-year-old will next be available when Vitor Pereira’s men travel to Newcastle in the Premier League on January 15.
In the incident against Ipswich, Cunha appeared to elbow a member of opposition staff before forcefully removing his glasses while teammates and coaches tried to drag him away.
His behaviour was spotted on camera and spread around social media post-match, with the FA then acting by charging him with misconduct.
An FA statement added: “The forward was charged with misconduct and it was alleged that he acted in an improper manner after the final whistle. He admitted the charge and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission.
“Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.”
Cunha’s absence is a blow for relegation-threatened Wolves, with the Brazilian a shining light in what has been a difficult season so far.
The striker has ten goals and four assists in 19 Premier League appearances this term, including two vital goals since the incident against Ipswich.
Wolves have lost 11 of their 19 league matches this term, but have experienced an improvement in their fortunes under new manager Pereira – with wins over Man United and Leicester, followed by a draw at Spurs.
Cunha joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid on an initial loan in January 2023 before making the move permanent the following summer.
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Cunha was involved in a post-match scuffle where he forcibly removed the Ipswich staff member’s glasses
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Cunha was dragged away by teammatesCredit: Premier League
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Cunha appeared to react badly to the Ipswich staff member celebrating the Tractor Boys’ winCredit: Getty
The striker’s recent form has seen him heavily linked with a move away from Molineux – with Arsenal among the clubs interested in his services.
There is a possibility his suspension comes at an ideal time for Wolves manager Pereira.
Cunha was taken off at half-time against Spurs on Sunday due to a minor injury.
It is also likely he would have been rested for the Cup game against Bristol City, with Wolves’ focus firmly on Premier League survival.
Speaking after the Spurs draw, Pereira said: “Cunha spoke with me at half-time.
“He said, ‘Coach I felt something in the first half and I’m not comfortable to make a sprint’.
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Wolves are currently one point clear of the relegation zone at the halfway point of the season
“So it is better to stay out the game second half. Hopefully not [a serious] hamstring [injury].”
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs rollercoaster continues to roll on and he has an injury crisis on his hands that will force the North London club to hit the transfer market.
Meanwhile, a United talisman could be on the move, while City’s woes continue on the other side of Manchester.
Read below for all the latest Premier League talking points!
WHY TOTTENHAM MUST HIT THE TRANSFER WINDOW IN JANUARY
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was scathing in his assessment of Timo Werner, who arrived at the North London club in January 2024.
The German winger is one of Tottenham’s most recent arrivals, and he was intended to provide depth, pace and energy to a depleted attacking line.
Postecoglou pulled Werner from the field at halftime in a draw against Rangers, and was later asked about the player’s response to his comments.
“I’ve got no time for that sort of stuff anymore. We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos,” he said.
Spurs’ biggest issue is their injury crisis, but his comments serve as a big message to the Tottenham squad.
Postecoglou has been without a host of big-name players that make up their regular starting side.
Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Heung-Min Son, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have all been sidelined.
So the former Celtic boss called upon teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to start against their Scottish rivals.
Ange Postecoglou, manager of Tottenham, looks on before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’m pulling kids out of school. I literally am. I’m getting notes from their teachers saying young Lucas (Bergvall) has missed another day of school,” he said.
With Spurs sitting in 10th and disappointing losses coming against Ipswich and Bournemouth in recent weeks, Postecoglou must hit the transfer market in January and it’s almost certain he will bring in defensive reinforcements.
On the attacking front, South Korean winger Min-Hyeok Yang is set to arrive, having already signed a contract in July until 2030.
However, he’s only 18-years-old and could take time to develop before he becomes a candidate to start, potentially getting minutes on the bench.
In defence, according to Spanish outlet AS, Postecoglou is set to recruit Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete from Getafe in the La Liga.
He is predominantly a centre back, but also can ply his trade off the left and he reportedly has a release clause said to be worth around $26 million AUD.
Meanwhile, according to Football Insider, Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Lens in the Ligue 1, has also caught Postecoglou’s eye.
He’s reportedly been scouted on multiple occasions by Spurs, and the 20-year-old is reportedly also the subject of interest from rival Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle United.
Epic free kick sees draw for Bournemouth | 00:53
UNITED SUPERSTAR ON THE OUTER IN ARMORIM REVOLUTION
New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim dropped Marcus Rashford ahead of the cross-town derby against Manchester City.
The Red Devils secured a 2-1 win in that clash, and the 27-year-old’s time at the club could be coming to an end.
It’d be a considerable move for Rashford, who made his debut at his boyhood club as an 18-year-old, joining United’s youth system at only seven.
He’s played 287 games for the Red Devils, and now he’s openly admitted he believes it’s the right time to leave Old Trafford.
“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford said to Henry Winter, a prominent football writer.
“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings.’ You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a Derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing, but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I’m available.”
Rashford has been a heavily criticised figure during his time at United, revealing he believes he is “misunderstood”.
“I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that’s taught me a lot, that’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. So I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years,” he said.
“I have my own dreams. I’ve achieved parts of it. But I’m not at where I want to be. But the problem is when you get there, you create another thing.”
The dangerous attacker will likely command a significant transfer fee ahead of a potential January move, but it’s shaping as a disappointing end for a figure once revered as the face of Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United applauds the fans as he looks dejected after defeat to Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 07, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE
Winning four Premier League titles in-a-row is a staggering feat, and the drop off Manchester City are experienced has been forecast for years.
But Pep Guardiola’s outfit are dropping to new lows in the run to Christmas, winning just one of their last 11 games.
The Spanish super coach has won every trophy under the sun during his time in the sky blue side of Manchester, but as his continue to get beat on the pitch, Guardiola is showing signs of a coach under siege off it.
“They implode on themselves, which is the reason why everybody says they’re fragile. Pep Guardiola’s reaction on the sideline, that all adds to it, and as players, you see everything,” former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said to Optus Sport.
“Everybody is seeing for the very first time a manager in Pep Guardiola being under such intense scrutiny now, questioning his ability to get themselves out of the situation.
“Maybe there’s an element of… players seeing stuff from him that they’re not buying into anymore. Maybe finger pointing is happening.”
Manchester City now sit nine points from the top of the Premier League ladder, and Guardiola himself even went as far as admitting he’s the one to blame for City’s woes after their 2-1 derby loss to United.
“I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that. I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press. I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth,” he said.
So what has gone wrong? Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes his transfer decisions have put them in a vulnerable position.
“We all know, it’s the first time and we’re allowed to say it, that we can challenge his decisions in the way of letting Cole Palmer go, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez,” Henry said on Sky Sports.
“Ilkay Gundogan came back and it’s not the same Gundogan who scored 17 goals a season.
“You’re missing those goals. Erling Haaland is scoring the same goals, a few less than in his first season but he’s doing what he does usually.
“I’ve seen him miss sitters in every season but where are the goals of Mahrez, Alvarez or Kevin De Bruyne, Gundogan – where are those goals?”
However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel and the French striker was of the belief if anyone could turn City’s fortunes around, it is Guardiola.
“One thing I will say about this team, it’s the first time it’s happening like this to him in his career. Let’s not kill the guy or this team because of what’s happening,” he said.
Ange’s Spurs strike in under 37 seconds | 01:11
SET PIECES CARRYING ARSENAL’S ATTACKING WOES
Arsenal have scored a league high eight goals of their total 29 from set pieces.
That figure includes two penalties, but it raises a question — are Arsenal too reliant on dead ball situations?
Overall, the Gunners attacking output has been down. They’ve scored 29 goals in 16 appearances in the 2024/25 season, compared to 33 and 40 at the same stage in campaigns.
It’s also been more than three games since Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s last goal from open play, which came against West Ham.
Nicolas Jover is the man who has been credited with Arsenal’s success from set pieces, but dead ball scenarios alone won’t be able to spark a title resurgence.
As it stands, Chelsea and Liverpool sit four and six points clear in first and second place, and Arsenal dropped crucial points in their last outing against Everton.
For former Arsenal women’s player Karen Carney, Arteta’s side rely too heavily on the impact of Bukayo Saka.
“They’re very right side dominant,” she said on Optus Sport.
“[Teams] set up a game plan to eradicate that, and [apart from] being good from set pieces, then you’re thinking where else you’re going to get goals from.
“The left side isn’t giving us the output that [they] want. And that’s why I’m saying if they don’t go and get someone for the left side, I think they won’t ever kick on to the levels where they want to get to.
Nicolas Jover, Set-piece coach of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Saka and Odegaard are their main guys, and if you block that, there is a problem. I think the rest of the team is built on really good physicality, and they’re a hard team to beat.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry echoed that opinion and labelled Arteta’s attacking style “predictable”, whilst admitting it is a positive sign to be scoring off set pieces.
He compared the Gunners’ attack to that of Liverpool, explaining Saka has limited attacking options at his disposal beyond Martin Odegaard.
“Think about Liverpool, when Mo Salah cuts inside, you have Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, or [Darwin] Nunez running [on the left], or Conor Bradley sometimes on the inside running. Look at what Bukayo Saka has,” Henry said
“But it’s predictable, we all know he’s going to play with [Martin] Odegaard, everyone sees that. Can you beat the line?
“You can pass to Declan Rice and enjoy a quick three vs. two. That’s called creating, playing between the lines, attracting an opponent one way and going the other way to see what you can do.”
While Arteta remained coy when speaking on potential transfers, Arsenal could target another strike option to command the left wing spot over Gabriel Martinelli.
“The amount we generate in the match and how little we concede, I fully trust my players,” he said on Wednesday.
Newcastle ace Alexander Isak has previously been linked with a move to the North London club, while former Premier League defender floated the idea of recruiting Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons.
“For his size, he’s quite physical and he’s very good technically, so I believe he’s the type of player that would thrive in the Premier League,” Johnson said.
“£66 million’s not too bad for a player that’s going to be knocking on the door for a starting place in the team.”
UGLY WOLVES SCENES AS TENSIONS BOIL IN RELEGATION BATTLE
The Wolves are in a relegation battle, and tensions are clearly running high in Wolverhampton.
In their last two Premier League games they’ve been involved in post-match stoushes, with the latest coming after a 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town.
Not only does the loss boost the chances of a relegation rival, it also gave them a three-point buffer from Wolverhampton who now sit in 19th place with only two wins.
Gary O’Neil was sacked following the defeat, and Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira is in talks to replace him.
But the real issue looks to be a lack of emotional control from the playing group.
Rayan Ait-Nouri received a second yellow card after the final whistle, being walked down the tunnel by teammate Craig Dawson after a grapple with Ipswich’s Wes Burns.
Meanwhile, striker Matheus Cunha pushed and shoved with a member of Ipswich’s coaching staff in staggering scenes.
The latest incident came only days after Mario Lemina had the captaincy stripped off him after arguments between he and his teammates and coaching staff broke out.
“We are under a lot of pressure,” O’Neil said.
“I understand the players being emotional but we have to keep control better.”
While O’Nell will no longer have to deal with the turmoil in the Wolves dressing room, it’s going to be a big ask to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Only last season Wolverhampton were playing an entertaining brand of football, finishing in 14 with 13 wins.
Last campaign saw Luton town finish in 18th place with 26 points as the highest-placed team to go down. So can Wolves conjure up 17 points in their remaining 22 games?
The midlands club will likely experience a ‘new manager bounce’ when their next mentor arrives, but it’s a big ask.
With the November international break in the rear-view mirror, the Premier League returned with a bang.
It seems like the race for the top four takes a fresh twist with every passing week and Saturday’s action was no different.
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Tottenham were the big winners from Saturday’s footy actionCredit: AFP
The result of the day easily belonged to Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham side as they thrashed Manchester City at the Etihad.
It was the first time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career he has lost five consecutive games as James Maddison, Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson all got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 thumping.
Chelsea eased past Leicester City 2-1, although former Watford striker Troy Deeney believed the Blues have a glaring error preventing them from being a legitimate title contender.
Brentford’s defensive unit will be a happy camp as they celebrated a gritty 0-0 draw against Everton despite going down to 10 men in the 41st minute.
The scoreless result marked the Bees’ first clean sheet of the season and Brentford boss Thomas Frank will hope it is a trend they can continue going forward.
Aston Villa had to come from behind twice to rescue a 2-2 draw against lowly Crystal Palace, with Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving a Youri Tielemans penalty in the first half.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil earned some respite as his side thrashed Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage, while Brighton continued their stunning form this season with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Here, talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In!
Winners
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian forward has made the list once again after his stunning display against Fulham.
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Cunha has been tipped for a big move after his Wolves heroicsCredit: Getty
The 25-year-old scored twice for Wolves, helping Gary O’Neil’s side to a much-needed 4-1 win at Craven Cottage.
“Top, top player. He’s in again,” said O’Hara.
Cundy continued: “This is a player that some of the big dogs will be seriously looking at.
“He’s quick, he’s direct, scores goals. He was excellent today.
Fabian Hurzeler
Brighton secured a big three points after beating Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
While ending the match with 10-men, the Seagulls are going strong in the Premier League.
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Hurzeler’s Brighton are going from strength to strengthCredit: Getty
“Fifth in the table, another big result,” said O’Hara. “They’ve got 22 points, they are flying.
Cundy added: “They’re not going anywhere, mate. They are here to stay. They are going to be a nuisance.
“Whether they have enough to last between now and the end of the season, only time will tell. But I’ve got to give them credit. To be there, right now, in and amongst the Champions League places, they’re a side and a football club that have consistently moved in the right direction for the last five years.
“Potter started it, De Zerbi took over and moved them forward. And now Hurzeler has done exactly the same job. Every manager seems to move them forward again.
“The recruitment from Bloom and everyone down at Brighton, both on the pitch and in the dugout, is nothing short of remarkable.”
James Maddison
The Tottenham midfielder was the star of the show in a shock 4-0 victory over Man City at the Etihad Stadium.
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Maddison put in one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt during the 4-0 win over Man CityCredit: Getty
Blues manager Enzo Maresca reacts to Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Leicester
“He’s scored two today, he’s answered his critics,” said O’Hara.
“He’s come under a bit of pressure, he lost his place in the England squad, hasn’t been playing, been getting dragged week-in, week-out.
“But he’s put in a top, top performance so far. Regardless of how this game ends up, he deserves to be in there.”
“It’s been a difficult last year,” adde Cundy. “Picked up the injury against Chelsea a year ago, really struggled to get back into form.
“Two goals won’t do him any harm, so congratulations to him.”
Losers
Pep Guardiola
While Maddison was the star, Guardiola will be left licking his wounds after another Premier League defeat.
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It was a night to forget for Pep Guardiola who has not lost 5 times in a row
Defeat for Man City means they are five points off top, having played a game more than Liverpool who face Southampton on Sunday.
O’Hara said: “Five on the bounce. He has got to go in the losers list. They are having a nightmare!”
“They are having a terrible, terrible time,” Cundy went on.
“I know they’ve got injuries. But no-one is going to feel sorry for City. No-one.
“Kovacic is out, I get that. When they get everyone back, we know City are a force to be reckoned with.”
Everton
While Sean Dyche’s side were dominant against Brentford, they weren’t able to get themselves over the line.
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It was another tough afternoon for Everton who failed to win against BrentfordCredit: Getty
Everton had 27 shots and 60 per cent possession, but managed just five on target – leading them to draw 0-0 with the 10-man Bees on a Frustrating afternoon.
O’Hara said: “27 shots, down to 10 men against Brentford and they still can’t score.
“They cannot hit a barn door. Seriously, I could put a goat up front and he’d score. Seriously, it’s embarrassing.”
“They’re just existing. They’re not living, they’re just existing. They’ve got to go in there,” Cundy added.
Tom Brady
Perhaps a little bit harshly, O’Hara named the NFL legend as one of his losers following a bad result for Birmingham City.
While sitting fourth in League One with multiple games in hand, the Blues shareholder was called out by the former Tottenham star.
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The Birmingham City co-owner was harshly named as one of the week’s losersCredit: Getty
O’Hara said: “Birmingham, flying high, doing well. Only lost one game going into this.
They played Shrewsbury – 23rd-placed Shrewsbury. What could go wrong?
“I tell you what can go wrong. Shrewsbury can beat them. It’s a bad day in the office. But if you’ve got to take the plaudits Tom Brady, you’ve got to take the criticism. You’re a loser!”
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The Premier League table is really taking shape ahead of the winter months
A shock win, a drab draw, a five-goal thriller and more attacking artistry.
Saturday’s Premier League action yet again failed to disappoint with 12 goals scored across six fixtures.
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Manchester City lost at Brighton to see them lose further ground on LiverpoolCredit: AFP
The biggest surprise of the day was at the Amex Stadium where Brighton came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1.
In doing so, they have ensured that the Citizens have lost four games in a row for the first time since 2006.
City’s slip-up saw Liverpool have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points, which they did by beating Aston Villa 2-0.
Meanwhile Wolves recorded their first top-flight win this term after coming out on top against fellow strugglers Southampton in a 2-0 win at Molineux.
Elsewhere, Fulham beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in a fiery London derby at Selhurst park, with Brentford fighting back against Bournemouth to claim all three points in a 3-2 win.
Though it was another poor performance from West Ham under Julen Lopetegui, as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Everton at the London Stadium.
Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In…
Winners
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian chipped in with a goal and an assist for Wolves as he proved to be his side’s main man yet again.
His goal in the second half – his fifth of the campaign – was a goal of the season contender after finding the top left corner from range to leave ex-Chelsea defender Cundy waxing lyrical over him.
He said: “He set up [Pablo] Sarabia for the first goal, but his goal, what a strike, this boy has got so much quality.
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Cunha doubled Wolves’ lead in the second half in exquisite fashionCredit: Getty
“Ball at his feet, he travels at pace, there ain’t many players that can travel with the same pace with the ball at their feet than they can in a sprint.
“He will end up leaving Wolves, he’s going to end up being too good for them, he’s a top, top player.”
Yoane Wissa
The Brentford striker scored twice to help Brentford move into the top half of the table.
Only Erling Haaland [20] has now scored more non-penalty goals than Wissa [15] in the Premier League in 2024.
Praising the DR Congo international, Cundy stated: “He has now scored seven goals in his last five games at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“He is on fire, him and [Bryan] Mbuemo, they are good players. And Brentford are side, underestimate them at your peril, because they can turn you over.
“But Wissa and Mbuemo, they are two brilliant attacking players.”
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Wissa has been one of the standout players in the top-flight so far this term
Jordan Pickford
The Everton goalkeeper helped his save take a point back to Merseyside thanks to a wonder save in injury time to deny Danny Ings.
Ings’ deflected strike seemed destined to nestle into the roof of the net, only for Pickford to heroically tip it over the bar.
Cundy said of the stop: “What a save he makes, he made a couple of really good saves, but the one at the end, it’s at point-blank range.
“The thing that suits him, it’s above his head, it’s straight at him, but his reactions, he’s like a ninja.”
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Pickford celebrated after the full-time whistle in what was a game lacking qualityCredit: Getty
Losers
Rob Edwards
Dropping into the Championship, and Luton boss Edwards continues to find himself in deep water with the Hatters in serious trouble.
Luton are in danger of back-to-back relegations, with Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at Middlesbrough leaving them in 21st spot.
From their 15 matches in England’s second-tier this season, they have won just four times – losing on eight occasions.
Fearing Luton could now relieve Edwards of his duties, O’Hara remarked: “It feels like he’s in here every week at the moment.
“But a 5-1 drubbing away from home, sitting 21st in the table, he’s having a nightmare.”
He added: “He’s waiting for the call [to inform him of sacking].”
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Edwards is under pressure at Kenilworth Road with Luton sitting in the relegation zoneCredit: Getty
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Bournemouth could have escaped with a point at the Gtech Community Stadium had Kepa not allowed Mikkel Damsgaard to equalise at his near post.
The Spaniard – on loan from Chelsea – failed to stop the Danish midfielder’s low effort from trickling in, before Wissa scored the winner moments later.
Criticising the former Real Madrid man, Cundy said: “It’s at the near post, and if he covers that near post, it doesn’t go in.
“The gap is tiny, it’s a good finish, but you shouldn’t get beat, the angle is so tight.
“If you cover the near post, the worse-case scenario is the attacker has got to drill the ball across the face of goal, if Kepa gets anything on it, it then goes back in.
“But Kepa has already gambled, and in doing so, he has left the space, [Damsgaard] finished it and they end up winning.”
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Kepa failed to cover himself in glory for Brentford’s second goal of their 3-2 winCredit: Getty
Anyone at West Ham
West Ham were guilty of another lethargic display – much to the dismay of the Hammers fanbase who have been left bored by new boss Lopetegui’s style of play.
Languishing 14th in the table, West Ham have failed to impress this season having been tipped for a potential European spot due their summer transfer business.
Ripping into the east Londoners, Cundy said: “So here’s the deal, the fans, I feel for you guys, you paid money to be there, but there’s people there today, the stewards, the St John’s Ambulance, the referee, he had to run around amongst that turgid poop, he was amongst it all.
“He was there thinking, ‘Get me out of here,’ the manager, the camera crew, anyone, people that work up in the boxes, you have my sympathy.
“Luckily the chefs didn’t see it! No bubbles come out today.
“The ball boys, I feel for you ball boys, that was one of the worst games we’ve seen in a long time.”
O’Hara then simply stated: “It was an absolute nightmare of a game.”
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Thins haven’t went to plan for Lopetegui at West Ham as of yetCredit: AFP
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This is how the Premier League table looks heading into Sunday’s fixtures
Manchester United’s miserable season hit a new low as they crashed to a dismal 2-1 defeat at Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday (AEDT).
Erik ten Hag’s side produced a wretched display that was punished by Morgan Gibbs-White’s late winner at the City Ground.
Nicolas Dominguez had put Forest ahead in the second half before Marcus Rashford equalised with just his third goal of a woeful campaign.
United’s fourth loss in their last six games in all competitions left them languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, nine points adrift of the top four.
United’s stirring fightback from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Tuesday had been heralded as the start of a new era just days after Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the troubled club.
But despite Ten Hag’s claim on Friday that Ratcliffe wants to work with him, this was the latest evidence that the new regime might consider dismissing the beleaguered Dutchman.
Forest moved five points clear of the relegation zone after Nuno Espirito Santo masterminded his second successive high-profile victory.
Nuno’s first win as Forest boss after replacing the sacked Steve Cooper came against Newcastle, but this was an even bigger scalp.
After their slow start against Villa, Ten Hag’s men once again laboured to find any rhythm as passes went astray with alarming regularity.
The pressure continues to mount on United boss Erik ten Hag. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)Source: AFP
Forest had conceded more goals than any other Premier League team in 2023, but it took 32 minutes for United to muster their first shot.
And United’s turgid display got what it deserved in the 64th minute when Gonzalo Montiel’s pass picked out Dominguez and he slotted a cool finish past Andre Onana from 12 yards.
As Forest fans serenaded Ten Hag with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning”, United’s Alejandro Garnacho looped a half-volley onto the roof of the net from Bruno Fernandes’ corner.
Turner gifted United an equaliser with 12 minutes left when his woeful pass was intercepted by Garnacho, who teed up Rashford to fire past the red-faced keeper from 10 yards.
But even that belated Christmas present wasn’t enough to save United, who combusted again in the 82nd minute.
Undone by sloppy marking as Elanga provided the assist, United stood statuesque as Gibbs-White curled a superb strike past Onana from the edge of the area.
Making amends for his earlier mistake, Turner saved from Fernandes in stoppage-time to leave United in turmoil.
After watching United slip to another humiliating defeat, club legend Gary Neville did not hold back in his analysis.
“Manchester United are back to their worst,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“Manchester United are back to what they are – inconsistent and awful. They walk off the pitch a defeated bunch. United fans behind the goal will go off so disappointed.
“But let’s not forget about Nottingham Forest who have been absolutely wonderful today.”
Jamie Redknapp added: “Manchester United are so inconsistent. They are horrible to watch. They have no real appetite, desire, it looks like they are playing under duress. There’s not enough ambition or desire.”
Douglas Luiz’s late penalty took Aston Villa joint top of the Premier League with a 3-2 win over 10-man Burnley on Saturday as Manchester City closed on the leaders by sweeping aside Sheffield United 2-0.
Douglas Luiz’s penalty secured a vital three points for Aston Villa. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It looked like a festive season to forget for Villa was set to continue after dropping points at home for the first time this season to Sheffield United and blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Manchester United on Boxing Day.
But Luiz’s spot-kick, that crept in off the underside of the bar, sent Unai Emery’s men level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table.
Leon Bailey’s opener for the home side was quickly cancelled out by Zeki Amdouni for Burnley.
Moussa Diaby restored Villa’s lead before half-time and they had a man advantage for the final 35 minutes after Sander Berge saw a second yellow card.
But Villa’s high line is begging to be picked off by opponents and Lyle Foster timed his run to blast past Emi Martinez 19 minutes from time.
There was a final twist, though, as Jhon Duran was up-ended inside the box and Luiz fired home.
“Everyone is so happy, we need to enjoy the moment,” said Luiz.
“The last three games we don’t play so well. It is halfway through the season, the players are tired, we lost three or four important players to injury. It is difficult, but we need to keep going.”
Despite missing Erling Haaland for a seventh consecutive game due to a foot injury, City were never troubled by the bottom-of-the-table Blades.
Rodri ended Sheffield United’s resistance after just 14 minutes when the Spanish midfielder surged forward and fired low into the far corner.
Julian Alvarez again ably filled Haaland’s shoes as the Argentine tapped in his fourth goal in three games to make the points safe from Phil Foden’s cross just after the hour mark.
Julian Alvarez continues to impress in Erling Haaland’s absence. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
City move alongside Arsenal on 40 points, just two points behind Villa and Liverpool, who are in action at home to Newcastle on Monday.
And Pep Guardiola said he is contented with the first half of his side’s season despite some issues as they added the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup to their trophy collection.
“We’ve had injuries and some problems, we won the titles, important ones, so our level is really good I would say,” said Guardiola.
“Now rest, we all need it. January is less intense than November and December so we prepare for what’s next.”
Chelsea snapped a run of four consecutive away defeats thanks to Cole Palmer’s double but had to withstand a nervy finale to beat Luton 3-2.
Powerful strikes from Palmer and Noni Madueke gave the visitors a 2-0 half-time lead.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men appeared to have ridden out a second half storm when Palmer’s classy finish made it 3-0.
Cole Palmer’s goal proved to be the winner for Chelsea against Luton Town. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley sparked a Luton revival and Elijah Adebayo bundled home from close range to set up a thrilling finale.
“That is the Premier League. Luton are a team that fight until the end, you could see that from their games against Liverpool and Arsenal and Man City and Newcastle,” said Pochettino.
“We controlled the game until the 65th minute. We needed to win and we deserved the result.” Luton remain just one point adrift of safety as Everton slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Wolves.
Max Kilman, Matheus Cunha and Craig Dawson were on target for Gary O’Neil’s men, who secured a third win in seven days.
Any fears that Crystal Palace could be dragged into the relegation battle were eased by the Eagles first win in nine games as Brentford were beaten 3-1 at Selhurst Park.
After mounting a surprise title tilt last season, with Granit Xhaka enjoying one of his finest campaigns for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta still believed he could find an upgrade in the centre of the park – and he splashed a Premier League-record £105m for Declan Rice.
Now, Rice is becoming an integral cog in the engine room as the Gunners remain firmly in the mix for the title.
What impresses Arteta most about Rice? “The way he dominates key aspects of the game,” replied the manager.
“First of all, it’s the way he reads the game, his intelligence, his decision-making on and off the ball, when to pass the ball, how to pass it, where to look, how to execute, and the timing of that, which is very, very relevant, especially in his position.”
He’s only growing more and more connected with his teammates. He could be the key to going one better than last season and finishing with the coveted trophy.
Although the Gunners rounded out the first half of the season with a disappointing defeat at the Emirates to West Ham, it doesn’t take away from what’s been yet another dazzling run for Arteta’s side.
Declan Rice has looked worth every bit of Arsenal’s major investment. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
ASTON VILLA (3rd, +15 GD, 39 pts): A
Mid-season MVP: Douglas Luiz
Plenty of expert predictions for this season had Villa finishing well out of the title race. Manchester United great Gary Neville predicted a sixth-place finish, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher had them out of the top six. It’s fair to say precious few predicted a genuine title challenge, but that’s what Unai Emery’s men have served up. A staggering 15-game win streak on home soil came to an end just before Christmas, though they salvaged a draw with a 97th-minute equaliser against Sheffield United.
Villa’s inability to beat a number of lower-table teams this season — see Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Bournemouth and now Sheffield United — is their biggest blemish this season.
Three of those four games also came away from home, so if Villa are serious about a top four finish they must find a way to take maximum points when expected, especially against those who are struggling.
Ollie Watkins continues to turn in several all-action displays up front, contributing nine goals and six assists to date this season.
But the player most vital to Villa’s transformed fortunes is Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz who orchestrates every deadly move from midfield.
Luiz’s box-to-box displays have been something to behold as he breaks up opposition attacks only to drive the team up the field and thread the needle with aplomb.
Douglas Luiz is the midfield lynchpin driving Aston Villa forward. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
BOURNEMOUTH (12th, -5 GD, 25 pts): B+
Mid-season MVP: Dominic Solanke
Last season was a shemozzle, a mess, a rollercoaster (but not the fun kind). Remember the 9-0 thumping from Liverpool that saw Scott Parker sacked in August? Then came an ownership takeover, a slump to last place in March, before a late-season resurgence to finish 15th under Gary O’Neil, who probably deserved to win manager of the season.
They embarked on a stunning spending spree in the off-season, with a whopping net spend of €126.19m – sixth in the Premier League and in front of Liverpool and Newcastle United. Then they sacked manager O’Neil before the season began. The new owners had high expectations – but while there’s been some promising signs, things haven’t been smooth sailing. They were 19th and winless after nine games (three points), but have since turned things around impressively to rack up 22 points from the next nine games (W7 D1 L1).
After a 6-1 defeat to Man City they could have fallen apart, but instead they’ve been one of the form teams in the league to soar out of the relegation battle.
The big difference from last season has been Solanke’s form, with the ex-Liverpool striker hitting 12 league goals in 18 games – more than last campaign’s top scorer Philip Billing (7) managed in a full season. If he stays at Bournemouth (amid interest from Tottenham and West Ham), the Cherries could even threaten a top-half finish.
Dominic Solanke is enjoying an absurd goalscoring run. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BRENTFORD (14th, -3 GD, 19 pts): C-
Mid-season MVP: Bryan Mbuemo
It was always going to be a tall task spending half a season without star striker Ivan Toney, but Brentford have managed to survive.
Toney was banned from playing until early January after breaching the FA’s gambling rules, meaning the Bees had to rely on other sources for goals.
Cameroonian winger Bryan Mbuemo has largely shouldered the burden and has a club-leading seven Premier League goals to his name.
However, Brentford — and this will be a constant theme for a lot of these teams, so bear with us — have been crippled by serious injuries throughout the season.
Kevin Schade, who turned his loan move to Brentford into a permanent one in the summer, was meant to help share the goalscoring duties but has been out of action since late September with no return date set in.
Star defender Rico Henry is out for the season while right back Aaron Hickey has also been sidelined for several months among others.
The Bees’ form this season has also been quite patchy, winning just one of their first eight games before four victories in their next six. But they’ve now lost four in a row and six of their last seven, seeing them slide towards the relegation zone.
With Toney due to return in mid-January, it could be the boost Brentford need to kickstart their season once again.
Brentford have struggled without their star striker Ivan Toney this season. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BRIGHTON (8th, +5 GD, 30 pts): B-
Mid-season MVP: Pascal Groß
After the lofty heights of a sixth-place finish last season, high expectations had been set for the Seagulls in the 2023/24 campaign.
But a bright start in which Brighton won five of their opening six games is in the distant past, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side have tasted victory just three times in the following 12.
Although De Zerbi’s great entertainers have been kept scoreless just once this season, they have scored two or more goals just five times since a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in late September.
What is most alarming about Brighton this season is the number of goals they’ve shipped, which stands at 33.
For reference, 16th-placed Nottingham Forest and 18th-placed Luton Town have conceded 34.
Part of this is no doubt down to a backline crippled by injuries.
Star left back Pervis Estupinan had been out for some time before marking his return to action with a screamer against Tottenham, while Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster have also spent time on the sidelines.
De Zerbi has also switched between Jason Steele and summer signing Bart Verbruggen in the goalkeeper position, offering little consistency in a crucial part of the field after Roberto Sanchez’s exit to Chelsea.
One shining light of consistency this season has been German stalwart Pascal Groß, who continues to be a vital cog in De Zerbi’s Brighton machine.
Another bright spot for Brighton is the goalscoring prowess of Joao Pedro, who joined from Watford for a club-record fee of £30 million.
And despite all of the things that have gone awry for the Seagulls this season, they’re still just three points away from the Europa League spots.
Joao Pedro (centre) leads the goalscoring charts for Brighton. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BURNLEY (19th, -20 GD, 11 pts): D
Mid-season MVP: Josh Brownhill
Burnley won the Championship last season at a canter but life in the Premier League has most certainly not been kind.
There was plenty of intrigue as to whether Vincent Kompany’s brand of football at Turf Moor would hold up against the best England has to offer and so far, the answer has been a resounding no.
Kompany took a significant risk going into the season with the youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 24 years and 170 days.
So far, it is a risk that has not paid off as Burnley sit 19th and have conceded the second-most goals in the league.
Burnley lost 11 of their first 13 games, achieving a win and a draw over fellow relegation candidates Luton Town and Nottingham Forest respectively.
But apart from that, there hasn’t been much to sing about on the terraces of Turf Moor although a much-needed 2-0 victory away at Fulham will give Kompany’s troops a needed lift going into the second half of the season.
Skipper Josh Brownhill has been one of the few shining lights in this Burnley team, providing a wiser head in a team brimming with young and eager minds.
Staying up this season will be a mammoth task but with Kompany’s remarkable leadership skills, don’t count out the Clarets just yet in the fight for survival.
Vincent Kompany has a massive job on his hands to keep Burnley in the Premier League. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CHELSEA (10th, +2 GD, 25 pts): F
Mid-season MVP: Cole Palmer
If Chelsea fans thought last year would be the worst of it, well, can only provide our condolences.
A fresh start under new manager Mauricio Pochettino as well as several of the players becoming more familiar with the Premier League had Blues fans hoping for the world.
Instead, they’ve been delivered an atlas.
Chelsea managed to ship off $AUD435 million worth of talent (per Transfermarkt) elsewhere including Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City) and Mason Mount (Manchester United) to name just four.
But the players brought in — at an estimated total expense of $756 million — have simply not lived up to the billing.
Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo was the most expensive of the lot, joining Chelsea from Brighton for an eye-watering $187 million.
Yet the Ecuadorean continues to struggle to live up to his price tag and doesn’t look at home in Pochettino’s system.
Sure, Pochettino has been dealt a somewhat rough hand with injuries as skipper Reece James continues to spend more time off the pitch than on it while the likes of Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are sidelined for some time.
Yet for a team that has been so expensively assembled and one of Chelsea’s grand stature, just six wins from 17 league games is simply not good enough.
One summer signing who has looked sharp since arriving is Cole Palmer, who looked to be a seriously risky piece of business at $76 million.
But the Manchester City youth product has delivered several crucial performances for Pochettino’s side and is cold as ice when stepping up to take penalties.
Despite Palmer’s emergence, it cannot be ignored that Chelsea are a serious risk of failing to qualify for European football for a second-straight season.
And if that happens, it’s safe to say Chelsea’s answer will be to throw more money at it and hope it fixes itself.
Despite heavy investment in the summer, Chelsea are still struggling badly. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CRYSTAL PALACE (15th, -9 GD, 18 pts): C-
Mid-season MVP: Eberechi Eze
After Roy Hodgson steered the club away from relegation at the end of last season, Crystal Palace rewarded him with a one-year extension.
It’s taken just 19 games for Hodgson, a boyhood Palace fan, to have the Eagles once again nervously looking over their shoulder at the drop to the Championship.
After just two defeats in the first eight games, Hodgson’s troops have suffered a massive nosedive in form.
Palace have lost seven of their last 11 fixtures, with only one win — against 19th-place Burnley — in that run.
The main issue crippling Palace is their inability to find the back of the net, with their tally of 19 goals the third-lowest in the league: only Burnley (18) and Sheffield United (15) are worse.
Talk is heating up about the Palace top brass eyeing up a move for Steve Cooper, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, as a mid-season replacement for Hodgson.
It could be what the team needs if it is to surge up the table and unlock the attacking talent it possesses.
The dynamic duo of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze is one of the league’s most exciting on paper, but largely due to injuries they have not been able to share the field.
If those two can start to fire, Palace theoretically should pull away from the danger zone.
Roy Hodgson has overseen a worrying run of form at Crystal Palace lately. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
EVERTON (17th, -1 GD, 16 pts): B+
Mid-season MVP: Dwight McNeil
It’s worth starting with the obvious: Everton copped a Premier League-record ten-point penalty for financial breaches last month that dropped them to 19th and level on points with the bottom-placed team. Without it, they’d be in the top half of the table right now. But the players have responded brilliantly to that hefty blow, beating Newcastle and Chelsea comfortably in recent weeks to climb out of the relegation zone. They are doing so even after recording a €42.30m transfer profit in the off-season – one of only four teams to receive more than they spent. After narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, the points penalty has ignited a fire in their collective belly and they look set to push well clear of danger.
The key marker of improvement behind Everton’s resurgence is their defensive record, a hallmark of Toffees boss Sean Dyche.
Everton have conceded just 25 goals this season, a figure equal with heavyweights like Newcastle and Manchester United.
Although Everton have improved as a collective, one star who looks especially rejuvenated under Dyche is winger Dwight McNeil.
The winger burst onto the scene at Burnley during Dyche’s tenure and the two are once again getting the best out of each other, with McNeil constantly whipping in dangerous crosses that have opposition backlines scrambling.
Despite a 10-point deduction, Everton have not been feeling sorry for themselves. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
FULHAM (13th, -8 GD, 21 pts): C
Mid-season MVP: João Palhinha
After losing talismanic striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi club Al-Hilal in the summer, serious questions were going to be asked about Fulham and Marco Silva this season.
Would they have the same goalscoring credentials? Will Silva tweak his team’s style of play to mitigate the loss of Mitrovic?
Could they actually replace Mitrovic and achieve the same results?
In short, no.
Summer signing Raul Jimenez and Willian lead the club’s goalscoring charts in the Premier League with just four to their names, followed by Bobby Decordova-Reid and Alex Iwobi who have three each.
However, Fulham somehow managed to score 16 goals in the space of four games, including back-to-back 5-0 wins at home over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
Throw in a recent 2-0 defeat at home to relegation battlers Burnley and you start to see why Fulham are just a very, very odd team this season.
One man crucial to Fulham’s hopes of a comfortable mid-table finish this season is defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, who almost joined Mitrovic out the exit door but to German giants Bayern Munich instead.
Palhinha could have easily downed tools given the move of a lifetime didn’t come off, but the opposite is true.
The Portuguese start leads the league in tackles by a massive margin and will be crucial to Fulham’s efforts in the second half of the 23/24 campaign.
Fulham are all but certain for a comfortable midtable finish. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
LIVERPOOL (1st, +23 GD, 42 pts): A+
Mid-season MVP: Mohamed Salah
They’re scoring goals for fun, have the best defensive record in the league and if it weren’t for an egregious officiating error, would be undefeated.
Oh, and they’re sitting in first place too.
It’s been some start to the season for Liverpool who have won 12 of their 19 league games so far.
Unsurprisingly, Mohamed Salah has been pivotal to Liverpool’s success this season thanks to his 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
The new-look Reds midfield has also impressed, especially summer arrival Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite all of the Reds’ success this season, they have not been without their flaws.
Liverpool have had to come from behind to either win or draw on eight occasions this season and of those eight games, a goal has arrived in second-half stoppage time.
One side of that argument plays into Jurgen Klopp’s previous comments about his players being “mentality monsters”.
On the other hand, it is an unsustainable trend that could come back to bite Liverpool dearly.
Of course, the biggest question that faces Klopp’s side is how they will cope without Salah when he takes off for the African Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Given he has been involved in 19 of Liverpool’s 39 league goals this season, his absence takes away the team’s best goalscoring threat.
But Klopp is one of the best managers in the world for a reason and will have devised a plan to make up for Salah’s absence.
Just how well that plan works will likely prove the difference between winning the Premier League and falling agonisingly short yet again.
Mohamed Salah is vital to Liverpool’s title hopes. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
LUTON TOWN (18th, -13 GD, 15 pts): C-
Mid-season MVP: Ross Barkley
They’ve got no money, the smallest ground in the league, and it’s fair to say they were given no chance of survival. From the start of the season, they showed they were up for the fight. But the big question was always around whether they had enough quality.
In their first 12 games, they had six points and had scored just 10 goals. It felt like they probably deserved more – they gave Man Utd a huge scare and came within inches of beating Liverpool.
But they turned things around after that. Since then, they’ve scored 10 goals in six games and racked up nine points!
After being all-but-written-off in pre-season, they’re mounting a genuine run at avoiding relegation.
The Hatters have now won both games since captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest, including a genuine ‘six-pointer’ over Sheffield United.
Ex-PL defender Stephen Kelly told BBC Radio: “Sometimes it can be a horrendous moment like that that galvanises you as a group of players.
“Quality-wise I don’t think Luton are there when it comes to the Premier League and they can’t compete with the finances. But they compete with hard work, energy and desire.”
Maybe the magic touch of quality comes from Barkley, who has slotted in perfectly after joining from French first-tier team Nice in the off-season.
The former Everton and Chelsea midfield star is shining in a deeper role, picking up the ball deep and driving forward. His long balls and ability to draw in defenders has been crucial for Luton’s attack. The 30-year-old is undergoing a career resurgence – and it might just carry the Hatters to survival.
Ross Barkley is enjoying a career resurgence at Luton Town. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MANCHESTER CITY (4th, +22 GD, 37 pts): A-
Mid-season MVP: Rodri
The status that comes with winning four Premier League titles in a row explains why this season so far feels a little below par for Manchester City.
It’s been a rather bizarre season for Pep Guardiola’s side, who found themselves in fourth at the halfway mark of the 23/24 season.
Some things remain relatively normal: Erling Haaland leads the golden boot race with 14, City are the league’s highest scorers with 43 and have conceded the third-fewest goals (21).
But there’s a feeling City, for the first time in a long while, might be a little vulnerable.
The absence of star Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has no doubt played a major role in that sentiment, while Haaland’s recent injury has lightened the load on opposition backlines.
Yet there’s one alarming stat which suggests those two aren’t the vital pieces to City’s title charge.
Instead, it’s Spanish midfielder Rodri.
Granted he’s not going to provide the mind-boggling assist and goal numbers De Bruyne and Haaland provide.
But from the three games City have not had Rodri available, they have lost all three: a 2-1 loss to Wolves as well as 1-0 defeats to Arsenal and Aston Villa.
City also could and perhaps should have a better defensive record, if not for the 4-4 and 3-3 goalfests against Chelsea and Tottenham respectively.
In fact, City have conceded goals in the 90th minute and beyond for three of their four draws this season, pointing to a serious concentration issue that has crept in for Guardiola’s side.
However, there’s always a sense of inevitability with City given they know exactly when to peak during the final run-in and simply cannot be counted out until it’s mathematically impossible.
Manchester City have not won when Rodri has been absent. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
MANCHESTER UNITED (7th, -4 GD, 31 pts): B-
Mid-season MVP: Bruno Fernandes
Let’s start with the positives. They’re seventh on the ladder and still in top-four contention. Bruno Fernandes is putting together a season for the ages when it comes to playmaking (more on that below). But it’s fair to say there are still big problems.
Ten times this season, Manchester United have conceded more than one goal in the space of 10 minutes or less. This month alone that has included two in five minutes (Villa), two in six (West Ham), two in five (Bournemouth).
Then there’s the attack. United have scored just 21 goals this season, which is the equal-third fewest of any team in the Premier League.
Before their impressive comeback win over Aston Villa, United’s forwards had scored a combined four league goals from open play in 18 games. The team had gone over 420 minutes without scoring before Garnacho’s opening goal against Villa. Big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund’s goal in the game was his first in the league … in his 15th appearance!
“Too many people talk about the strikers at Man Utd,” Garnacho said after the game.
United fans will be hoping their forwards can finally find some form and shut up the critics.
Thankfully, they’re getting plenty of service from Fernandes, who keeps creating chances at a remarkable rate. His expected assists this season stands at 6.47 per understat, while his actual assists is just three. If his teammates can stop missing so many chances, United can still make something of this season.
Bruno Fernandes is providing chances but his United teammates are struggling to finish them. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
NEWCASTLE (9th, +12 GD, 29 pts): B-
Mid-season MVP: Anthony Gordon
It was always going to be a difficult ask for Newcastle to build on the wild ride all the way to the Champions League they enjoyed last season.
And so far, that’s exactly what it’s proving to be.
A 5-1 win over Aston Villa and an 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United are distant memories as Eddie Howe’s side limped its way to the halfway mark, losing four of their last five games.
The depth of Eddie Howe’s squad has been tested beyond belief as the addition of a European schedule has placed plenty of strain on a playing group desperately short on depth.
Couple that with lengthy injury spells to key players like Nick Pope, Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman to name three and it’s easy to understand why the Magpies are suffering this season.
There’s also been the unwanted distraction of marquee summer recruit Sandro Tonali’s suspension for gambling, robbing Newcastle of a player deemed pivotal to their domestic and European hopes.
But amid all the doom and gloom in the Toon, winger Anthony Gordon has been a shining light.
Gordon wears his heart on his sleeve and it’s his relentless energy that has resulted in vital goals for Newcastle.
The 22-year-old has six league goals to his name but, most crucially, has started 17 of 19 games.
Having guided Newcastle back to the Champions League last season, Howe’s job is extremely likely to be safe despite the team’s struggles this season.
But given it is the first sustained period of on-field woes, it will be extremely intriguing to see how patient Newcastle’s Saudi ownership are.
Newcastle are struggling to emulate the highs of last season. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
NOTTINGHAM FOREST (16th, -12 GD, 17 pts): D
Mid-season MVP: Morgan Gibbs-White
It wasn’t anything close to the transfer extravaganza prior to their Premier League return last year, but Nottingham Forest still decided to loosen the pursestrings and bring a raft of stars to the City Ground, including star wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.
Despite the high-profile additions, Forest boss Steve Cooper couldn’t quite get them firing when he needed to and as a result the cult hero was sacked.
Looking at Forest’s results this season and it’s hard not to see why club owner Evangelos Marinakis lost patience with Cooper.
Things appeared reasonably bright for the Reds at the start of the season having lost just four of their opening 11 games and even then, those defeats were to Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
But after a surprise 2-0 win at home against Aston Villa, the wheels fell off for Cooper and his team.
Four straight losses — including a 5-0 humiliation away to Fulham which resulted in Marinakis hurling his matchday accreditation into the front garden of a home near Craven Cottage — cranked up the pressure on Cooper.
A 1-1 draw against Wolves only proved to be a brief stay of execution, as a 2-0 loss to Tottenham the following week brought an end to Cooper’s time at the club.
Former Wolves boss Nuno Esperito Santo has now arrived and although he tasted defeat amid controversial circumstances in his first match in charge, Forest looked a brighter side in a 3-1 win away to Newcastle.
Although Forest may privately harbour aspirations bigger than just survival, Nuno’s remit will no doubt be to avoid the drop.
Dynamic forward Morgan Gibbs-White will be vital to achieving this aim, as will the goalscoring prowess of Kiwi striker Chris Wood.
Morgan Gibbs-White (left) is one star who is set to play a big role in keeping Forest up. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SHEFFIELD UNITED (20th, -32 GD, 9 pts): E
Mid-season MVP: Gustavo Hamer
The Blades have lacked a cutting edge (sorry) up front, but they’ve also been sliced apart defensively. They’ve got the worst offensive and defensive record in the league by some distance. In fact, after 19 games, they hold the second-worst defensive record in Premier League history. Their 47 goals conceded is second only to Barnsley 1997-98 (50 conceded).
But to be fair, expectations were low this season, especially when they sold two key players in Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille and Sander Berge to rivals Burnley. At times they have been a shambles that feels more like a bunch of individuals than any sort of united team. They’ve lost two games 5-0 and another 8-0, sacked a manager and need a miracle to avoid relegation. It’s been a sorry season.
Hamer, a 15 million pound signing, has been a rare shining light. He struck an absolute screamer on his Premier League debut and has impressed with his workrate on and off the ball. He is creative and courageous – which sometimes results in gifting possession to the opposition too frequently – but he has the kind of intensity and drive to win that is infectious. At least, Sheffield fans will hope so, otherwise it will be straight back to the Championship for the Blades.
Sheffield United are favourites to be relegated. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
TOTTENHAM (5th, +11 GD, 36 pts): A
Mid-season MVP: Ange Postecoglou (we had to!)
From leading the league in October, to managing to find a way to score goals after losing arguably the club’s greatest-ever striker Harry Kane, and most importantly playing an attractive style of football, it’s been one hell of a start to the season for Spurs. They’ve faced a major injury crisis that’s about as bad as any team in the league, and took out two of their star signings (and most important players overall) James Maddison and Micky van de Ven.
At the same time, they’ve been struck down by suspensions – like Cristian Romero, who sums up their season with his two red cards followed by a big injury.
Sure, they had a poor November, but overall the first half of the season has been more than impressive.
They lost 14 games last season. At the mid-point of this season, they’ve lost five.
And if Postecoglou thought he had already undergone a brutal test with a casualty ward at capacity as well as constant suspensions, he’s got a nightmare scenario in the very near future.
He’s about to lose star midfield duo Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr to the African Cup of Nations as well as club captain Heung-Min Son to the Asian Cup.
But the Australian boss has never shied away from a challenge and he won’t be about to do so now.
Perspective is also needed when viewing Postecoglou’s achievements amid the brutal hand he has been dealt when it comes to the unavailability of several of his first team stars.
When he’s had everyone free to play, we’ve seen just how good this Tottenham team can be.
Postecoglou has enjoyed a true rollercoaster of a Premier League season and we’re only at the halfway mark. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WEST HAM (6th, +3 GD, 33 pts): B
Mid-season MVP: Jarrod Bowen
Prior to the season, the big question surrounding West Ham was about how they would navigate life without talismanic midfielder and captain Declan Rice after his £105 million move to Arsenal.
Granted, a direct replacement of Rice’s quality was just about impossible.
But thanks to the summer additions of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, Rice’s absence is not as keenly felt as first feared.
Hammers boss David Moyes also began the season as one manager tipped as a likely chance of getting sacked and, for a brief period this season, it looked like that could have eventuated.
A run of five defeats in seven games heaped pressure on the Scot, but in typical Moyes fashion, he managed to turn the ship around.
Since that run, West Ham have lost just once — a rogue 5-0 hammering at the hands of Fulham — and have won six of their last eight to rocket up from 12th place all the way to sixth.
Pivotal to this uptick in form is the dynamic trio of Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Paqueta leads the league in the most through balls with 19, ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard, and has five assists to his name.
After a slow start, Kudus has found his feet in the Premier League and has four goals in his last six league games.
But it is Bowen who has been the real shining light of West Ham, with his 11 goals to date proving vital.
His pace and ability to stretch opposition backlines is crucial to the Hammers hitting teams in transition and, as it stands, should be considered a lock for England’s squad at EURO 2024.
Jarrod Bowen is in sensational form for West Ham this season. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WOLVES (11th, -4 GD, 25 pts): C
Mid-season MVP: Matheus Cunha
When Julen Lopetegui resigned on August 8, many Wolves fans would have been forgiven if they feared the worst going into this season.
The relatively underwhelming appointment of Gary O’Neil — who was sacked by Bournemouth not long after the end of the 2022/23 season — did little to allay those fears.
Despite the initial fears, Wolves fans backed O’Neil to the hilt and that bond has strengthened over the course of this season.
The highs have been very high for Wolves so far, with home wins against the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City giving the Molineux faithful plenty to sing about.
But the one thing that has tightened the bond between Wolves fans and O’Neil is the fact the club has been on the wrong side of an alarming number of VAR calls.
It began in the first match of the season when Wolves were denied what looked like a stonewall penalty after Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic.
Wolves also had two penalty calls go against them in the 3-2 defeat to Fulham, with O’Neil even claiming referee Michael Salisbury told him he made a mistake in awarding one of the penalties.
It led O’Neil to state his team had lost seven points as a result of VAR’s ineptitude, but it also helped create a siege mentality amongst the entire club.
To an extent it’s paid off, with Wolves sitting 10 points clear of the relegation zone and only six points off seventh, the position which qualifies a team for the Europa Conference League.
Matheus Cunha, who joined on a permanent deal in the summer, is a big reason for Wolves’ improvement this season as are the goals from Hwang Hee-Chan.
Cunha’s four goals and five assists goes some way to explaining the attacking threat he provides for O’Neil’s team and will look to continue to be a nuisance for the opposition.
