Arsenal
We’re being referred to as the “new Stoke Metropolis” for our set items – however for so long as Martin Ødegaard is round we’ll hold the Tony Pulis comparisons quiet. There’s been no higher instance of his all-round brilliance than within the dazzling 5-1 demolition of Sporting. There have been some frustrations over the blunders that set us again within the title race however it’d be churlish to complain whereas we’re nonetheless in competition in all competitions and having fun with such luxurious leisure.
Pleased with the supervisor? We’re quick studying to belief to Mikel’s convictions. David Raya’s influence has silenced those that had been bemused by his introduction and the supervisor’s religion in Jesus and Martinelli, regardless of their type, seems to be on the verge of paying dividends.
We are going to end … There’s a lot soccer to be performed; it’s simply laborious to think about Liverpool slipping up typically sufficient. So I’ll say 2nd, within the hope of tempting destiny to make me look silly.
What we’d like in January … Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover may effectively deserve his personal mural, however his sterling work has maybe masked our broader failings up entrance. With Saka additionally now injured, both we have now to hope Gabriel Jesus’s burst of type isn’t non permanent, or go for somebody like Cunha, Vlahovic and even Rashford.
Funniest second of 2024 … The yo-yo antics of Impostacoglu’s Keystone Cops. The Christmas present that simply retains giving all yr round.
Aston Villa
Going into the festive interval within the prime six in each tables was nice, particularly having did not hit the degrees of consistency we managed final yr. The Champions League marketing campaign is in fact a consider that, however so is an ongoing evolution of the taking part in model which guarantees a lot wanting forward. Given these points, to be so effectively set positionally if the ways actually click on is so thrilling. The Bayern win will clearly be etched on each Villa fan’s reminiscence for ever and the entire marketing campaign has left everybody hungry for extra, which our genius supervisor may simply ship. As for particular person performances, Durán has been each erratic and unplayable, however by no means uninteresting, and Tielemans and Rogers have stepped up a stage from a excessive base. Onana has huge potential.
Pleased with the supervisor? The love affair between Villa followers and Unai Emery appears to be completely requited. There’s been the odd blip in type however the “let’s simply work even tougher then” ethic is clearly purchased into by the gamers – and it will get outcomes.
We are going to end … fifth, so I’m hoping that these European coefficients will imply we get one other crack on the Champions League.
What we’d like in January … I depart all that stuff to the recruitment unit …. Morgan Rogers for underneath £20m?! Extraordinary.
Funniest second of 2024? Charging over £90 for European video games at Villa Park was the most important joke of the yr.
Bournemouth
One phrase. Phenomenal. We’re in our highest league place ever, with extra factors at this stage of the season than ever, we’ve crushed Arsenal, Metropolis, Tottenham and United (away, 3-0 for the second season in a row). We’ve additionally snatched late, late present victory from the jaws of defeat, not as soon as, however twice, coming from 2-0 right down to beat Everton 3-2 and 1-0 right down to beat Ipswich 2-1, all when nonetheless shedding within the 86th minute. These are heady days in Dorset and we will’t watch for the second half of the season.
Pleased with the supervisor? 100%. Andoni Iraola promised us rock’n’roll soccer and that’s precisely what we’re getting. The workforce is brilliantly drilled, super-fit and exhibits no worry. It doesn’t matter who we play. Weirdly, our dominance is never mirrored within the variety of objectives we rating. If we might have been extra medical towards Chelsea, Brighton, Leicester and Palace we’d be respiratory down Liverpool’s neck. Cling on. Did I simply write that? Loopy occasions.
We are going to end … I mentioned eighth in the beginning of the season and bought flak from different Cherries followers for being over-optimistic. On the proof up to now, I feel it was the alternative. Let’s say fifth.
What we’d like in January … Cowl at left-back for Kerkez could be useful. Both Julio Soler or Fran García would make good acquisitions. Perhaps Arsenal’s Zinchenko fancies extra sport time?
Funniest second in 2024? Close to the top of our 3-1 win over Southampton our stadium announcer revealed the 11.15pm prepare again to Southampton had been cancelled. It had away followers heading for the exit (in the event that they weren’t already) and ours chanting: “You’re gonna stroll by way of the [New] Forest.” Lovely.
Brentford
I’ve seen some thrilling matches this season, some correct Kevin Keegan specials, so naturally I’m pleased. We went into Christmas with probably the most residence objectives and probably the most residence wins within the division. On the flip aspect, our away type is terrible with two measly factors, at Goodison and the Amex. The Brighton sport was a uncommon clear sheet, at the very least. The poor defending hasn’t bothered us an excessive amount of because the bonkers 5-3, 4-1, 3-2 and 4-3 wins have saved followers completely entertained, however whether or not we will hold that up subsequent yr, with Arsenal, Metropolis, Liverpool and Chelsea visiting, we’ll see.
Pleased with the supervisor? Persons are waking as much as Thomas Frank’s brilliance. He loves the Bees however I worry the worst together with his rising military of admirers. An excellent people-person and a very good tactician. Now and again we get comprehensively crushed which makes you surprise how he would fare managing a so referred to as “greater” aspect. However whenever you take a look at the gamers whom he has managed, developed and brought to a better stage, you realise the job he has accomplished is nothing wanting a miracle.
We are going to end … Our document signing, striker Thiago, is injured once more, and Pinnock and Ayer have additionally joined the long-term injured checklist. So assuming we stay considerably depleted, I’d say twelfth could be a fantastic consequence for us.
What we’d like in January … I might simply minimize and paste the phrases from my previous few Observer opinions: we’d like a back-up left-back. Not understanding when Rico Henry or Aaron Hickey shall be again after over a yr out, I’d say this has now flipped into a significant precedence for the membership. We additionally want to take a look at defensive midfield as cowl for Christian Nørgaard.
Funniest second in 2024 After I was within the US final April for the large Premier League fanfest in Nashville I noticed a neighborhood sporting a Palace shirt – the identical man I noticed in a Brentford shirt an hour or so earlier. After I requested about it, he tore his Palace shirt off, Hulk‑model, and stamped on it. He had the Bees shirt on beneath.
Brighton
Perhaps expectations had been too excessive after a fantastic begin however we’re doing effectively, regardless of a run of Potter‑esque attracts – Friday’s irritating 0-0 towards Brentford highlighted how a lot we’re lacking the injured (once more) Danny Welbeck. Nevertheless it was incredible to see Solly March again after 14 months out and we’ve bought so many wonderful younger gamers who’re enhancing on a regular basis. Carlos Baleba, 20, is a good instance: quick and aggressive, an absolute beast. Fortunately Kaoru Mitoma is match once more and everybody has warmed to Georginio Rutter. As soon as Welbeck returns and we begin to play as we did within the comeback towards Spurs every thing shall be candy.
Pleased with the supervisor? I’m positive Fabian Hürzeler shall be given time and he deserves it. He’s trustworthy, passionate, pleased to confess errors and strives to continue to learn – a breath of recent air.
We are going to end … sixth – if we will discover ways to maintain on to leads.
What we’d like in January … One other defender now that Lewis Dunk is slowing down. Olivier Boscagli, out of contract at PSV in the summertime, is alleged to be a goal and would add a lot‑wanted tempo into our again line. We most likely might have accomplished with signing a defender final summer season.
Funniest second in 2024? It was amusing to see how deliriously pleased Palace followers had been on the Amex after they beat us for the primary time since 2021. They had been like overexcited youngsters on Christmas Day. Bless.
Chelsea
To date, so good. Flying within the league – that Fulham sport was a blip – and unbeaten in Europe. We’re now lastly seeing one of the best of Cucurella, Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, Jackson retains studying and enhancing, and Palmer is setting the league alight. There’s a lot to be pleased with. The clear spotlight up to now was coming again from two right down to beat Spurs: it’s at all times a pleasure placing them of their place.
Pleased with the supervisor? Many Chelsea followers, myself included, are consuming humble pie about Enzo Maresca. He has been wonderful, taking agency management of a big squad and, up to now, retaining everybody pleased. He’s given all of them a chance to shine, he’s tactically conscious and has no hesitation in altering issues shortly when required. It’s early days however he’s 100% the appropriate selection to steer the membership.
We are going to end … third, pushing the title challengers all the way in which. I feel everybody could be pleased with a return to the Champions League.
What we’d like in January … One other centre again – I’d be pleased to see Marc Guéhi return – and a goalkeeper. Caoimhín Kelleher could be best: he actually ought to be taking part in common first-team soccer, however I doubt Liverpool would launch him mid-season.
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Funniest second of 2024? Palmer simply sitting quietly on the pitch taking all of it in whereas Chelsea and Forest gamers squared up on the finish of the sport. I anticipated nothing much less from the person who loves his “chippy” chips.
Crystal Palace
Delivery 5 to Arsenal earlier than Christmas wasn’t festive, however it felt like a freak consequence. The broader pattern has been regular enchancment from a extremely shaky begin. After the Euros and Olympics Eze and Mateta returned to pre-season shattered, and Wharton injured. We then did our spending far too late within the window, so the brand new arrivals had been taking part in catch-up to grasp Oli Glasner’s system. Hopefully we’re going the appropriate method now, although. Max Lacroix on the again appears to be like like a really canny buy and a giant improve on Joachim Andersen, Ismaïla Sarr is beginning to realise his potential and Will Hughes has been distinctive. However Eddie Nketiah has struggled, and Daichi Kamada hasn’t coped effectively with the physicality.
Pleased with the supervisor? Completely, he’s top-of-the-line we’ve ever had. A few doubts crept in amongst a minority of followers a number of video games in when he appeared rigid, however his means to enhance gamers is evident. He’s calm and picked up, and has a transparent imaginative and prescient.
We are going to end … tenth.
What we’d like in January … We’re crying out for wing-backs who can step up and exchange Muñoz and Mitchell if they’re ever injured. However a top quality attacking midfielder to switch Michael Olise shall be a precedence too.
Funniest second of 2024 Jefferson Lerma mimicking João Pedro’s purpose celebration after we trounced Brighton on the Amex – footballers always remember!
Everton
The change of possession after years of Moshiri mismanagement was a fantastic present this Christmas. And if survival is the target on the pitch, then Dyche is performing consistent with expectations and his profession averages. However a primary XI with 9 internationals ought to absolutely be aiming greater. The utter devotion to retaining a clear sheet has eliminated any menace. Positives are Pickford’s continued excellent type, the at all times ageless Younger, and Branthwaite’s return to type. Mangala provides metal and fluidity to midfield. Ndiaye is a uncommon expertise – his purpose towards Metropolis was excellent.
Pleased with the supervisor? Easy reply isn’t any. His soccer is appalling to look at and his lack of tactical flexibility stands out in a league turning more and more to quick, attacking, possession-based soccer. Our new homeowners will certainly make a change.
We are going to end … We are going to escape relegation, however that’s a really low hurdle to have fun. Count on many extra low scoring attracts as we crawl to fifteenth in our remaining season at Goodison Park.
What we’d like in January … There’s restricted scope as a result of PSR points. The precedence ought to be a scorer, however given Dyche’s ways of lengthy balls and an remoted lone striker, who of their proper thoughts would signal now?
Funniest second in 2024? There’s not been that a lot to snort about, aside from Pickford’s ever-increasing frustrations with Dyche over subs, ways and sport administration.
Paul Quinn @theesk, www.theesk.org
Fulham
We’ve proven we will match one of the best – though the insipid residence show towards Southampton was a stark reminder that that is Fulham we’re speaking about. Resolute and deserved attracts towards Arsenal and Liverpool supplied us a springboard to the upper echelons; all we needed for Christmas was a routine victory over the Saints, however we bellyflopped (even when we did get to revel within the coming of a brand new King, 17-year-old Josh). Then we beat Chelsea on the Bridge. Fulhamish, some would say. I desire “ruddy marvellous”.
Pleased with the supervisor? Sure, thanks. Marco’s a genius don’t you recognize, albeit not good.
We are going to end … High half if accidents and suspensions don’t take their toll. So we’ll end ninth. Or above.
What we’d like in January … An attacking midfielder, particularly if Andreas Pereira heads again to Brazil, with Palmeras making overtures. Perhaps Richard Ríos may make the reverse journey? Or what about Douglas Luiz of Juventus? And whereas free-scoring strikers aren’t available, Jonathan David (Lille) may be tempted, whereas Evan Ferguson of Brighton has been talked about too.
Funniest second in 2024? Dropping factors late on is depressing, however it’s euphoric when it’s the opposite method spherical. Arsenal thought they’d nicked a late winner just for VAR to rule in any other case (after an extended delay, naturally). Cue wild, mocking cheers from us lot. Nevertheless that was nothing to the grand finale towards Brentford. The clock ticked previous 90 minutes with the Bees defending a 1-0 lead. Then up stepped Harry Wilson to bag an excellent brace on the Hammersmith Finish to ship us lot into raptures. What a turnaround. And in a derby. It was extremely humorous … or was it merely delirium, which gleefully re-emerged on the Bridge?
Ipswich
There’s a practical realisation right here that this specific Premier League season appears to be like prefer it’s a troublesome one, particularly for a squad which nonetheless incorporates a lot of our League One heroes. Our two wins (each away) are apparent highlights. The large hope was that Kalvin Phillips might stamp some authority on video games however, with him solely beginning a handful of matches up to now, there’s a priority that we’ve bought the Man Metropolis/West Ham model somewhat than the Leeds/England model. We actually want him taking part in, and taking part in effectively, for the second half of the season.
Pleased with the supervisor? With out query. Having achieved what he has in such a brief time period, Kieran McKenna has an terrible lot of affection from followers. He can do no fallacious.
We are going to end … Because it was in the beginning of the season, the purpose is seventeenth. The fact, because it was in the beginning of the season, could also be a spot or two decrease.
What we’d like in January … A centre-forward and a right-winger. The surprising type of Liam Delap has papered over some cracks up entrance. We had been attempting to purchase a striker in August and didn’t handle it; Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath was a kind of – we could revisit.
Funniest second of 2024 The contretemps after our televised residence sport towards Man Utd between our former supervisor Roy Keane and an Ipswich fan with an extended reminiscence and an equally longstanding grudge. Phrases had been exchanged and a gathering level organized, to debate additional. Appears that just one occasion turned up.
