Pressure mounts across the Premier League after turbulent weekend
The Premier League’s first full round of fixtures in the new year delivered pressure, promise and problems in equal measure. From title contenders dropping points to strikers struggling for form, the weekend left several clubs facing uncomfortable questions.
Based on match reports and analysis by the Guardian’s football writers, here are the key talking points.
McFarlane earns respect against Guardiola
Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City felt more meaningful than a routine point. According to the Guardian, it marked a rare moment of resistance against Pep Guardiola’s side and came in Calum McFarlane’s first senior match in charge.
Chelsea had not beaten City since the 2021 Champions League final and were enduring significant upheaval off the pitch. Enzo Fernández’s injury-time equaliser ended another potential defeat and offered encouragement in a fixture that has long been one-sided.
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Liverpool still cannot close games out
Liverpool once again failed to protect a lead in their 2-2 draw at Fulham, continuing a worrying trend. The Guardian highlighted recurring defensive lapses that have allowed opponents back into matches.
Florian Wirtz scored but made his frustration clear afterwards, saying: “I was happy that I scored but I’d rather take the three points.” Arne Slot’s side continue to look vulnerable when attempting to manage games from winning positions.
Rice backs Gyökeres despite goal drought
Arsenal’s comeback win at Bournemouth came without a goal from Viktor Gyökeres, whose open-play drought now stretches to 10 matches. Still, Declan Rice was quick to defend his teammate.
“All the boys are with him because of what he is doing for us,” Rice told the Guardian, pointing to Gyökeres’s pressing and link-up play. While goals remain scarce, his overall contribution continues to earn internal support.
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Sesko’s struggles deepen at United
Manchester United rescued a point at Leeds through Matheus Cunha, but Benjamin Sesko’s difficulties continued. The striker missed a late chance and has not scored since October.
The Guardian reported increasing scrutiny on Sesko, whose adaptation to the Premier League has been slow amid United’s limited attacking cohesion.
Le Fée unsettles Spurs
Enzo Le Fée’s influence grew as Tottenham lost control against Sunderland. Initially deployed deeper, he became more dangerous when pushed forward in the second half.
According to the Guardian, Le Fée created Sunderland’s equaliser and caused persistent problems between the lines, underlining his growing confidence since adapting to the league’s tempo.
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Nuno leaves debut opportunity unused
West Ham’s heavy defeat at Wolves raised questions about Nuno Espírito Santo’s in-game decisions. Despite failing to register a shot on target, the manager made no use of new signing Pablo Felipe.
The Guardian reported that Nuno felt it would be unfair to throw the striker in so soon, though the decision may delay a vital bedding-in process for a team short on goals.
Miley shines out of position again
Lewis Miley’s performance at right-back continued his remarkable run for Newcastle. Playing out of position, the 19-year-old impressed defensively and helped create the opening goal.
Eddie Howe told the Guardian: “You wouldn’t know right-back isn’t Lewis’s natural position.” With senior players returning, selection decisions are becoming more complicated.
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Dyche’s Forest lack a response plan
Nottingham Forest’s defeat at Aston Villa extended their losing run and exposed a recurring issue. While well-organised when level, Forest struggle once they fall behind.
The Guardian noted that Sean Dyche’s side become stretched when forced to chase games, raising concerns ahead of a crucial trip to West Ham.
Brentford’s away problem lingers
Brentford impressed at Everton despite their poor away record, but questions remain about consistency on the road. Igor Thiago’s scoring form has provided encouragement.
Kevin Schade told the Guardian that survival remains the primary aim, with European qualification described as a “dream” rather than a target.
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Burnley drift further from safety
Burnley’s defeat to Brighton left them increasingly isolated at the bottom of the table. While promoted rivals Sunderland and Leeds are stabilising, Burnley continue to slide.
According to the Guardian, Scott Parker admitted his players lacked belief, a concerning assessment as the gap to safety begins to feel wider than the points suggest.
Sources: The Guardian
