Yeah, yeah. I know I’m late on this Premier League game report. So we’ll get straight to the good stuff.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Everton vs. Liverpool (Match Postponed)

A Merseyside Derby is always a spicy affair, but this week nature rained on the parade. Literally. Like, it POURED buckets and the match was postponed. This now presents some interesting grist for the punditry mill. Will Liverpool benefit from the extra rest they were afforded during the December Crucible? What does having a game-in-hand do psychologically for the team? In my eye, this does nothing but help the Reds. Oh, and Everton are still doomed.

Aston Villa 1 – 0 Southampton

The only thing Southampton are chasing at this point is ignominy. Their point total after this defeat to Aston Villa is one shy of the hapless Derby County team that suffered relegation 17 years ago with a record-low 11. Ouch. Jhon Durán, after a two-month goalless spell, finally found the back of the net.

Brentford 4 – 2 Newcastle United

One of the quiet narratives of the first part of the PL season has been the evolution of Brentford’s Community Stadium into a veritable fortress. In their past eight home fixtures, Brentford have only dropped 2 of 24 points. Enter Newcastle United, who have deep talent (harnessing it consistently remains an issue) and haven’t lost to the Bees since 1948. On this date, Brentford were the better team, tossing their Magpie bugaboo into the dustbin.

Crystal Palace 2 – 2 Manchester City

Rico Lewis had a day, didn’t he? Gets the start for the injured Nathan Aké, hits a curling gem to equalize the scoreline, then walks into the dressing room after a second yellow. Palace will claim frustration that they didn’t win, but a draw against the champions should never be seen ruefully.

Manchester United 2 – 3 Nottingham Forest

Ruben Amorim is a smart guy. But he keeps trying to out-think his fixtures, tweaking the United line-up for each opponent. The result? Two league losses after thumping Everton, and a comeback win on the continent. Meanwhile Nottingham Forest just get on with the business. All three of their on-target shots touched the net. That’s ruthlessness for you.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Fulham 1 – 1 Arsenal

Some will look at this result and loudly declare that Arsenal missed the golden chance to narrow their deficit against Liverpool to four points. Others might crow how Fulham, and specifically left-back Antonee Robinson, stifled the Gunners’ on multiple occasions. Both are correct.

Ipswich Town 1 – 2 AFC Bournemouth

Every Ipswich game I watch is accompanied by disbelief, head-shaking and sometimes a screamed “WTF!?”. Both teams are led by innovative managers unafraid to unleash their young players in a no-holds-barred battle. 30 shots between the two teams made for lively viewing, and even if Dango Ouattara’s 95th minute goal crushed the home crowd, their applause post-game showed how much they appreciate the Tractor Boys’ efforts.

Leicester City 2 – 2 Brighton & Hove Albion

As the clock ticked into the 85th minute King Power Stadium had the air of a mortuary about it, the Foxes down two goals and Brighton firmly in control. Up steps proper geezer Jamie Vardy, Leicester talisman, to volley in a deflected pass from Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Cue excitement. Four minutes later, Vardy returned the favor, squaring up Bobby for the simple tap-in. Cue pandemonium. 

Tottenham Hotspur 3 – 4 Chelsea

Spursiness was never as prominent as in this barnstormer of a fixture. After 11 minutes the home team was up 2-0, and it’s fair to say few folks in the Stadium had confidence that it would last, especially after Jodon Sancho cut the lead in half after 17. For the next 80 minutes, it was the Chelsea show, and in particular the Cole Palmer show. With trademark chill and panache, he delivered twice from the spot, including a cheeky Panenka to bring the visitors a two-goal advantage.

Monday, Dec. 9

West Ham United 2 – 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

This match was never going to be easy for either team. West Ham were still reeling from the car injury to striker Michail Antonio, who suffered a broken leg. Wolverhampton sit in 19th, with a defense stinkier than Shropshire blue cheese. On the managerial side, both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil are on the hot seat; though the former will have purchased a bit more leeway after this performance. Wolves will argue (perhaps rightly) that refereeing decisions should have given them at least one spot-kick, but will have to nurse those grievances on the coach ride home.

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