Another week of Premier League football is past us with Chelsea continuing to establish a stronghold at the top following their 2-1 victory over Tottenham. Competitors Liverpool and Manchester City were not to be left behind as the Reds defeated a defensive Sunderland side 2-0 and the Citizens claiming a hard-earned 3 points at the Turf Moor against Burnley.
United’s woes continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by West Ham, their fourth draw in a row while Arsenal hit top form with a 3-1 win against Bournemouth. The highlight of the week, however, was the Swansea City – Crystal Palace encounter, a thrilling game that went down to the wire as Fernando Llorente helped the Welsh side across the winning line with two goals in the stoppage time. A total of 9 goals in the game with Swansea winning it 5-4.
In an eventful week of action-packed football, we take a look at who makes it to our Premier League Team of the Week:
Formation: 4-3-3
Darren Randolph (GK)
The West Ham stopper was in sublime form as he single-handedly kept out United attackers at Old Trafford. He had a great game against the Red Devils as he helped his team to hold on for a point.
Victor Moses (RB)
He’s a man revived under Antonio Conte, as he continued his impressive run of form against Tottenham on Saturday. Another solid showing in defence, he also scored the winner for Chelsea.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB)
Looks at ease playing at the right side of the three-man defence for Chelsea. Calm under pressure, the Spaniard had a good outing against Spurs, despite the North London club breaking Chelsea’s 601-minute run without conceding. Has made the position his own.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB)
Another brilliant performance by the Dutch defender against former manager Ronald Koeman’s Everton side. Made most interceptions on the evening as he walked away with another clean sheet.
James Milner (LB)
A revelation at left-back this season, Milner continued his good form against Sunderland as he added another clean sheet. Topped the performance with a penalty in the 90th minute as Liverpool won 2-0.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The Liverpool captain was highly impressive against David Moyes’ side as he covered each blade of grass. Helped keep the game ticking for the Reds as he made 128 passes against an ultra-defensive Sunderland.
Leroy Fer (CM)
Contributed two goals for the Swans on the night against Crystal Palace where both teams were shambolic in defence. Was the driving force for the Welsh outfit as he was involved in everything good for them.
Xherdan Shaqiri (CM)
Another valuable performance from the Switzerland international against Watford. His corner set up Adam for the header which the Watford goalkeeper, Gomes, diverted into his own net. Made surging runs forward, with his run to create a chance for Giannelli Imbula late in the game showing his brilliance.
Alexis Sanchez (RF)
Two goals against the Cherries for Sanchez as Arsenal ran 3-1 winners. His emergence as a striker for Arsenal continues with another strong display. Has now scored 8 times in the English top-flight for the Gunners.
Sergio Aguero (CF)
On a night where City were not at their best, their Argentine talisman made sure they got the three points with two scrappy efforts against a defiant Burnley side. Made his way to the top of the Premier League scoring charts alongside Diego Costa with 10 goals each.
Fernando Llorente (LF)
Came off the bench to score two goals in the stoppage time against Crystal Palace as the Spaniard sealed his team’s dramatic 5-4 victory over Alan Pardew’s side.
Arsenal
Eni Aluko Responds to Laura Woods’ Damning Comments With Long Statement as Ian Wright Row Continues
Eni Aluko has responded to a lengthy social media thread from Laura Woods amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her feud with Ian Wright. Aluko caused outrage in 2025 when she accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits, and she has reaffirmed her stance this week.
The former England international, who represented the Lionesses 105 times during her career, bemoaned the fact that two men, Wright and Nedum Onuoha, were on the punditry panel for the Women’s Euro 2025 final. This reignited a debate that many thought had been settled months ago.
Woods Pushes Back on Caps Argument
Woods took to social media on Monday morning to post a long thread explaining that caps don’t win automatic work. That comment came after Aluko pointed out she was sitting in the stands of last year’s final next to Fara Williams, who has 172 England caps.
The TNT Sports presenter added, “The women’s game should be by women for women is one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard. It will not only drag women’s sport backwards, it will drag women’s punditry in all forms of the game backwards.” This is a fair point from Woods, who has built her career on merit rather than relying on playing credentials.
Aluko Stands Firm on Position
Responding to Woods, with whom she has worked previously, the 38 year old stated, “I respect Laura’s opinion as I have always done. I believe that women’s football should prioritise women as the faces of the sport. I think women should be the dominant force in the women’s game in the same way that men are the dominant force in the men’s game.”
Aluko also slammed Wright for declining her attempted apology last year. “When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately, he had an opportunity to show grace. Unfortunately my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.” This ongoing feud shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Also read: London City Lionesses vs. Everton Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27 revealed three critical truths about their title challenge and season trajectory heading into the final stretch.
The Gunners showed resilience but exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could prove catastrophic against Manchester City. Martin Odegaard’s clinical finishing and Brighton’s own goal masked deeper problems within Arsenal’s structure. Mikel Arteta’s men survived because Brighton lacked quality, not because Arsenal dominated.
Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility Remains Their Achilles Heel
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nervous display highlighted Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns. The young left-back was withdrawn after 67 minutes with Arteta forced to shift Piero Hincapie left and introduce Gabriel Magalhaes. Brighton created legitimate chances through Yasin Ayari and Yankuba Minteh, with the latter forcing a world-class David Raya save in the 89th minute.
Manchester City will punish these defensive lapses ruthlessly. William Saliba appeared uncomfortable throughout, and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience showed repeatedly. Arsenal need Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori back to full fitness immediately. Without consistent defensive solidity, no amount of Odegaard brilliance secures the title.
Fortuitous Circumstances Carried Arsenal Rather Than Merit
Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved the difference in reality. Arsenal should have been 2 to 0 up at half-time with multiple clear chances. Martin Zubimendi had a guilt-edge header saved by Bart Verbruggen. Leandro Trossard fired wide from close range.
The hosts never played at optimum level despite dominating possession. Brighton grew into the game after half-time and genuinely threatened. The narrative of Arsenal’s unstoppable form crumbles when examining performance metrics. They’re winning tightly contested matches through individual moments rather than systematic dominance.
Gyokeres Still Needs Time to Adjust
Viktor Gyokeres had a sloppy opening 45 minutes according to GOAL’s ratings. The Swedish summer signing is struggling to find rhythm in Arsenal’s system. His involvement in link up play remains pedestrian.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres expecting elite performance immediately. Instead they’re watching a player adapting to new surroundings without consistent output. Against City’s defensive intensity, Gyokeres cannot afford settling in periods. Arsenal need him sharp now, not eventually.
Also read: Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixture Against Brighton
Arsenal
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Brighton: Odegaard’s Clinical Finish and Rutter Own Goal Secure Gunners Top Spot
Arsenal secured a 2 to 1 win over Brighton on December 27 to maintain their Premier League summit position. Martin Odegaard’s clinical 15th-minute finish set the tone before Georginio Rutter’s own goal in the 53rd minute appeared to secure a comfortable victory.
Diego Gomez’s 64th-minute rebound sparked a nervy finish, but David Raya’s world-class save from Yankuba Minteh sealed crucial three points as Arsenal held their two-point cushion over Manchester City.
Goalkeepers and Defence
David Raya (8/10): Didn’t really have a great deal to do for the first 60 minutes. He could do little about Brighton’s goal but made a world-class stop to deny Minteh late on with fierce curling strike.
Declan Rice (7/10): Playing in an unfamiliar right-back role, the midfielder played his part in the buildup to Odegaard’s goal. His corner led to Arsenal’s second. Did a solid job once again for his team in an energetic display.
William Saliba (6/10): The Frenchman had no real howlers but didn’t excel in Arsenal’s backline either. Will be glad to have centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes back alongside him soon.
Piero Hincapie (7/10): The summer signing has been a solid addition for Arsenal and didn’t do much wrong, both at centre-back and left back against Brighton.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10): On his first Premier League start of the season, partly due to Riccardo Calafiori’s withdrawal from the warm-up, he did not do a great deal. Arteta chose to take off the left-back, move Hincapie to that position, and bring on Gabriel instead.
Midfield and Attack
Martin Odegaard (7/10): Rifled in a terrific finish when given time and space to do so. Had a bit of swagger early on but that dimmed as Brighton turned on the pressure.
Martin Zubimendi (6/10): Was part of a midfield that looked in control and then that switched after the Brighton goal. May need to offer a bit more going forward.
Mikel Merino (6/10): The Spaniard has been excellent as a makeshift striker but wasn’t nearly as effective in his usual midfield role.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): Calmly assisted Odegaard for Arsenal’s opener and had the beating of left-back Maxim De Cuyper. Didn’t have many moments to shine but still can produce something from nothing.
Viktor Gyokeres (5/10): Had a sloppy and unconvincing start, both with and without the ball. Improved a bit but it’s just not clicking for the summer signing.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): The Belgian, who was getting a bit of stick from the travelling support, had a decent game against his former club but wasn’t as effective as the encounter wore on.
Also read: Arsenal vs. Brighton: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
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