Red cards, redemption and rising pressure across Premier League

FIRE and thunder are the best way to describe the game at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea wanted to show the footballing world that they are genuine contenders, while Arsenal aimed to build a comfortable lead before the festive period begins.

With those opposite intentions, we got an entertaining, fiery battle with both teams showing plenty of fight.​

There were niggling and tactical fouls throughout the opening 30 minutes, and the referee had to be careful not to ruin the match by showing an early flurry of yellow cards.

Unfortunately, Moises Caicedo ignored the memo and got sent off for a horrible challenge.​

This is Chelsea’s sixth red card in all competitions this season. Strangely enough, playing with 10 men affected Arsenal more than Chelsea because Enzo Maresca has become accustomed to adjusting his system when a player is sent off.

It was clear in the way Chelsea set up after losing Caicedo.

Mikel Arteta’s men eventually adjusted and found the equaliser, but could not score the winner.

Arteta is probably still satisfied with a five-point lead heading into a busy festive schedule.​

The last time a bald Dutch manager lost to West Ham, he was sacked. Erik ten Hag was his name.

Arne Slot avoided the same fate by guiding Liverpool to a two-nil win over the Hammers. It was not impressive, but it was professional enough to secure three points.​

Slot used every trick available, starting with the surprise he sprung when submitting his team sheet.

For the first time in 53 matches, Mohamed Salah did not start for Liverpool. Perhaps this is Slot’s way of saving his job, but Liverpool proved that “No Salah, No Problem”.​

Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the club, and Cody Gakpo added the second after some determined defending. Florian Wirtz produced one of his best performances, and Slot finally devised a plan that suited his players.

The question is whether he will remain brave enough to bench Salah again when Sunderland visit next.

Liverpool fans must start preparing for life after the Egyptian King.​

In the battle of the 3-4-3, Manchester United emerged victorious through two set-piece goals. Crystal Palace were the livelier side in the first half, but United grew into the match after the break.

Playing once a week remains a major advantage for Ruben Amorim’s side. Olivier Glasner still needs greater squad depth if Palace want to compete in both the Premier League and Europe.​

This was a redemption match for Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee. Both players have been heavily doubted by the United fanbase, and this performance should ease some of those concerns. Amorim will hope to build on this as the matches come thick and fast.​

Chelsea versus Arsenal may have dominated the headlines, but the real match of the week was Sunderland versus Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light.

It was a throwback to classic Premier League football – full of intensity and entertaining from start to finish. Bournemouth took a two-goal lead before the Black Cats pegged back.

Credit must go to Granit Xhaka, who continues to help Sunderland punch above their weight.

Regis Le Bris now heads to Anfield with confidence, ready to add more misery to Slot’s Liverpool.

​Manchester City do not like making things easy this season. After going two-nil up against Leeds, City lost control, and Leeds equalised.

The comeback began with the introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Guardiola probably anticipated more dropped points before Phil Foden saved the day with an injury-time winner.

City are entertaining but inconsistent, and Guardiola must find balance soon or risk falling further behind Arsenal.​

Tottenham’s decline continues as Thomas Frank’s side suffered another home defeat. Spurs may be generating strong revenue off the pitch, but the results on it remain underwhelming.

The home form must improve quickly because the booing grows louder with every match. The goodwill Frank built early in the season is evaporating, and a new consortium will not be patient.​

It is now December, and the fixtures will come thick and fast. There is still plenty of drama to come.

Can City finally find consistency? Will Arsenal crumble before Christmas? Or will the dark horse be Aston Villa, who are ending 2025 with superb momentum?