Following the conclusion of the World Cup, the Premier League resumed on Boxing Day and we witnessed a set of exciting games.
A total of 34 goals were scored across ten games, which featured only one draw—Brentford vs Tottenham.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the talking points from Premier League matchweek 17.
#Assist king Andy Robertson
Liverpool star Andy Robertson now has the most assists of any defender in Premier League history.
The Scotland skipper set up Mohamed Salah in the fifth minute against Aston Villa at Villa Park to become the highest-assisting defender in the top flight. His fifth assist of the season took him to 54 in his glittering Premier League career, overtaking ex-Everton left-back Leighton Baines’ tally of 53 as a result.
In doing so, Robertson has the same number of assists to that as former Premier League’s creative talents such as Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Mesut Ozil.
#Newcastle United continue their rampant form
Newcastle United continued their upward trajectory this season with a 3-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.
Miguel Almiron scored his ninth goal of the season as the Magpies moved above Manchester City into the second spot, momentarily. Chris Wood and Joelinton also were on the scoresheet, with Newcastle now firmly in the title mix alongside leaders Arsenal and Man City.
#No Jesus, no problem for Arsenal
Arsenal came back from a first-half deficit in roaring fashion to smash London rivals West Ham 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. This saw them maintain their sizeable five-point gap at the top of the table.
In Gabriel Jesus’ injury absence, Mikel Arteta decided to go with Eddie Nketiah up top and the youngster grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Other than Nketiah’s outstanding turn and finish in the second half, he put in a solid performance that proved some of his detractors wrong.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka also scored for Arsenal, but Nketiah showed he can step up in Jesus’ absence and deliver the goods if appropriately backed.
#Late comeback by Tottenham… again!
Tottenham have been the king of slow starts this season and the tradition continued against Brentford on Boxing Day.
The north London club have conceded the first goal in their last nine games. They went 2-0 down at Brentford before fighting back for a point, and while they created enough chances in the last half-hour to win the game, Antonio Conte should be at loss to explain his team’s habit of conceding first.
Any team constantly making comebacks shows their determination, fighting spirit and character, but for a Spurs side challenging for the top four spot, they must stamp out the habit of leaking goals in every game.
#Positive start for Julen Lopetegui at Wolves
Three vital points for Wolves were won in thrillingly unconvincing fashion against Everton at Goodison Park on Boxing Day in what was Julen Lopetegui’s debut Premier League game
Yerry Mina put Everton 1-0 up but Wolves drew level with Daniel Podence’s fine finish before substitute Rayan Ait-Nouri applied the finishing touch to a swift counter-punch to claim victory for Lopetegui’s side.
Not only were they three priceless points against fellow relegation fodder Everton but the win also helped move Wolves off the bottom spot.
#Man United off to a flyer post-Ronaldo era
With Cristiano Ronaldo no more a part of the club, Manchester United are playing with new freedom and confidence as witnessed in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest which left them just a point off the top four in the Premier League.
Marcus Rashford continued his excellent form, scoring and assisting a goal apiece, while Casemiro bossed the midfield and Christian Eriksen pulled the strings. After a terrible start to life as Man United boss, Erik ten Hag has come to grips with his side that is heading into New Year looking threatening.
