The Premier League’s festive schedule once again delivered drama, debate and decisive moments as the title race tightened, pressure mounted on struggling managers, and controversy dominated the headlines. From Manchester City’s relentless march to the summit, to Liverpool’s nerve-shredding win at a depleted Tottenham, and mounting concerns at both ends of the table, this round of fixtures reminded fans why the EPL remains football’s most unpredictable stage.
City set the pace — but Guardiola demands more
Manchester City temporarily climbed to the top of the Premier League table after a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. The champions wasted no time asserting dominance, with Erling Haaland striking inside the opening five minutes to spark fears of a rout among the visiting supporters.
City’s Norwegian talisman was again central to everything good about Guardiola’s side. Just before half-time, Haaland turned provider, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for his first goal at the Etihad, a moment that further showcased City’s depth and attacking variety. Haaland was not done there. With 21 minutes remaining, the ball broke kindly for him and he made no mistake, netting his 38th goal of the season for club and country — a staggering return before the campaign has even reached its midpoint.
Despite the comfortable scoreline and the significance of going top, Guardiola cut a stern figure afterwards. The City manager made it clear that standards must rise if his team are to secure yet another league crown.
“I want to be honest. I said to the players, ‘Merry Christmas everyone but it will not be enough if we don’t improve’.”
City’s seventh consecutive win in all competitions has cranked up the pressure on Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot later when they face Everton. For now, though, the champions have once again reminded their rivals that they are not going anywhere.
Liverpool grind it out amid Spurs controversy
Liverpool continued their upward trajectory with a gritty 2-1 win away to Tottenham, extending their unbeaten run to six matches. However, the contest was overshadowed by a controversial red card that left Spurs playing with nine men and sparked fierce debate.
The flashpoint came in the 33rd minute when Xavi Simons lunged dangerously into Virgil van Dijk. The referee produced a red card, a decision that enraged Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who did not hold back in his post-match assessment.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Frank declared the “game is gone” if that is a red card.
“The first one is the first red, which I think... I’ve seen it given before but I don’t like it,” Frank said.
“I don’t like those types of red cards because I think the game is gone if that’s a red card. I don’t think it’s reckless tackle. I don’t think it’s exceptional force.
“We have the referee call and that was a yellow so that’s why I don’t think that’s a red.”
Frank’s view, however, found little sympathy among pundits. Jamie Redknapp was blunt in his assessment, suggesting Simons had only himself to blame.
“I just don’t know what he’s thinking,” Redknapp said.
“He’s done something so ridiculous. Maybe he’s trying to add intensity to the game and trying to show aggression but he’s just got it completely wrong.”
Gary Neville went even further, labelling the challenge outright foolish.
“Simons was never going to get there. He rakes his studs right down the back of Van Dijk’s leg,” Neville said.
“That’s not clever. That’s not a good challenge. He is absolutely nowhere near the football. Malicious, nasty, reckless? Whatever you want to call it. Stupidity.”
Liverpool’s record signing sparks hope — then heartbreak
With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool fans were eager to see more from their marquee signing. Alexander Isak, the most expensive player in Premier League history, began the match on the bench before being introduced at half-time by Arne Slot.
The Swede made an immediate impact, scoring just his third goal since his £125 million (A$253m) move in September. It should have been a defining moment — the spark that launched his Liverpool career into full flight. Instead, it turned into another cruel chapter.
Isak was forced off injured soon after scoring, raising fresh concerns about his fitness and long-term availability. Slot cut a cautious but concerned figure when discussing the situation.
“I don’t have any news on him. If a player scores and then doesn’t come back on the pitch because he couldn’t go on – because he didn’t even try and get on – that’s usually not a good thing,” said Slot after the game.
“But I can’t say anything more than that – nothing medical. But let’s not be too negative yet. Let’s hope he’s back with us soon.”
Neville summed up the mood around the incident, calling it a cruel blow for a player who appeared to be finding his rhythm.
“That could have been his lift-off moment. But he has picked up an injury,” he added.
Late drama and ‘absolute madness’ at Spurs
Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s advantage with his fifth goal in three league games, but the visitors were far from comfortable in the closing stages. Richarlison pulled one back to set up a tense finish, and Spurs sensed a late twist.
Any remaining hope evaporated in stoppage time when captain Cristian Romero received a needless red card, compounding a miserable afternoon for the home side. Neville was incredulous on commentary.
“What is Romero doing? What is he doing? Forget the fact it’s madness because he is already on a yellow card, his team have a chance here,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“Absolute madness, it really is.”
The defeat leaves Spurs languishing in 13th, with Frank now under growing pressure after five losses in their last nine home league games. Liverpool, meanwhile, climb to fifth, level on points with Chelsea but behind on goal difference.
Chelsea survive another scare
Chelsea remain fourth after a dramatic comeback rescued manager Enzo Maresca from further scrutiny. Newcastle dominated the first half at Stamford Bridge, racing into a 2-0 lead thanks to a Nick Woltemade double.
A stunning Reece James free-kick sparked Chelsea’s revival before Joao Pedro capitalised on a costly Malick Thiaw error to equalise. Newcastle were left furious after two late penalty appeals — and a call for James to be sent off — were waved away, leaving Eddie Howe’s side stuck in 11th.
Trouble deepens at the bottom
At the foot of the table, Wolves’ nightmare season shows no sign of improvement. A 2-0 home defeat to Brentford — courtesy of two Keane Lewis-Potter goals — leaves Wolves still without a league win and facing the grim prospect of being remembered as one of the Premier League’s worst-ever sides.
Burnley, however, found some late relief as Armando Broja’s 90th-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, ending a seven-game losing streak. Sunderland edged into sixth with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Brighton, continuing their steady push toward European contention.
As the festive fixtures roll on, the Premier League narrative continues to twist — champions demand more, stars battle misfortune, and one moment of “absolute madness” can change everything.
