Chelsea have a fatal flaw? Foden is Man City’s Plan B? Premier League overreactions

Verdict: OVERREACTION

A brief review of the statistics indicates Chelsea might be testing their fortune. The highest number of red cards issued to any Premier League-winning team is six, which was received by Manchester United in the 1993-94 season en route to their second Premier League title. Since then, six different teams collected three red cards and still finished at the top: Manchester United (1998-99, 2002-03), Chelsea (2009-10, 2014-15), Leicester City (2015-16) and Liverpool (2024-25). Chelsea has currently received four red cards in the Premier League, one in the Carabao Cup, and one in the Champions League, in addition to Maresca’s. In matches where they received red cards, other than Sunday’s match, they lost to Manchester United (when Robert Sánchez was sent off), lost 3-1 to Brighton (with Trevoh Chalobah dismissed) and defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 (when Malo Gusto was sent off).

Despite their red card troubles, Chelsea managed one of their finest displays under Maresca in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Their red card tally isn’t yet a title-ending concern, but it’s a negative factor. Thankfully, their squad depth means they have ready replacements available. Additionally, Cole Palmer is nearing a comeback. They do need to address these disciplinary concerns, however. They’ve managed thus far, but it can’t go on forever.

Manchester City already possess a viable alternative to Erling Haaland

After Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle on November 22, in which center back Rúben Dias scored their only goal, there were doubts about City’s alternative strategy if Haaland was unable to find the net. However, Phil Foden demonstrated against Leeds on Saturday that City can beat opponents in more than one way. The 25-year-old netted two goals, including the decisive one in stoppage time for a 3-2 triumph. He is prepared to step up as a scoring option behind the Norwegian superstar.

Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION

Prior to the Leeds game, City’s second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League was Burnley‘s Maxime Estève, who had supplied two own goals to a 5-1 City victory. Yet Foden’s two outstanding goals on Saturday served as a clear indication that City’s offense covers more than just Haaland. This will be put to the test as they take on Fulham on Tuesday followed by a match against form team Sunderland on Saturday. Foden’s showing was crucial, especially in a match where Haaland was unable to score. His first goal was an exquisite volley, and he nearly added another, thwarted only by a brilliant block from Leeds’ James Justin and a fantastic save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri. The winner came as a breathtaking effort from the edge of the area, as Foden evaded two tackles to slot the ball home.

Manchester City performs better when Haaland is on the scoresheet — that’s a fact. This season, their record in all competitions is 10-2-1 (W-D-L) when he scores and 1-0-4 when he does not. Last season’s stats showed 14-4-4 when he scored compared to 7-5-9 when he didn’t. There’s a noticeable correlation, yet if Foden maintains this form, he will significantly alleviate the burden on Haaland.

Sunderland emerge as the best promoted team of the past decade

Following their 3-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, Sunderland’s manager Regis Le Bris reiterated the goal of reaching the 40-point threshold commonly associated with Premier League survival. This comes despite his team currently occupying sixth place with 22 points from 13 matches. It’s likely we’ve seen enough to label Sunderland the finest promoted team in the last ten years.

Verdict: OVERREACTION

A quick retrospective on the promoted teams over the last decade reveals that since the start of the 2015-16 season, the highest finish for a promoted team has been Wolves in 2018-19, who finished seventh. Other notable teams include Sheffield United (2019-20, 9th), Leeds United (2020-21, 9th), Newcastle United (2017-18, 10th) and Fulham (2022-23, 10th). The Wolverhampton squad was remarkable, featuring players such as Rúben Neves, João Moutinho, and Raúl Jiménez, under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, as they achieved the highest finish for a promoted side in 18 years (the previous being Ipswich Town, who finished fifth in 2000-01). They advanced to the Europa League quarterfinals the ensuing season and still represent the pinnacle of promoted teams.

However, Sunderland is challenging that notion. They have been outstanding this season, securing victories away against Chelsea and drawing with Arsenal with that dramatic 94th-minute goal from Brian Brobbey. Their comeback victory over Bournemouth showcased their never-give-up ethic, overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2. Their work ethic is commendable; they give their all for Le Bris and may very well claim the title of best promoted team from Wolves.

Their next challenge? On Wednesday, they meet Liverpool, who have somewhat alleviated the pressure after their own 2-0 victory against West Ham.

Mohamed Salah is no longer a guaranteed starter for Liverpool

Arne Slot’s team displayed some resilience and sharper attacking intent against West Ham on Sunday with Salah starting on the bench. For an extended period, he has been Liverpool’s key player, an exceptional attacker now ranking third on the club’s all-time scoring list. However, as Liverpool evolves, Salah is no longer the second name on the lineup behind center back Virgil van Dijk.

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Should Mo Salah remain on the bench for Liverpool right now?

Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop discuss Liverpool’s starting lineup after Salah was benched against West Ham.

Verdict: OVERREACTION

In the wake of the Reds’ humiliating 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven last week, analyst and former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher scrutinized Alisson, Van Dijk, and Salah’s situations. While discussing on CBS, he mentioned Alisson’s injury concerns, noted Van Dijk is «not performing as he used to,» and remarked that it appears Salah’s «physical ability has diminished.»

Instead of starting Salah against West Ham, Liverpool opted for Alexander Isak at the forefront, Cody Gakpo on the left, Florian Wirtz central, and Dominik Szoboszlai supporting on the right. This strategy paid off effectively. Wirtz delivered his most significant match for Liverpool, creating valuable link-up play with Isak. Wirtz successfully connected with Isak via four passes in the first half, eclipsing their previous season high of three. He showcased the caliber expected from his £116 million transfer fee, while Isak finally netted his long-awaited first Premier League goal, stemming from a clever play initiated by Wirtz.

Salah has produced four goals and two assists this season, performing below his usual high standards. However, statistics indicate he ranks sixth in the Premier League for chances created with 23, while Gakpo holds fourth with 25. Liverpool has been generating opportunities but struggles to capitalize, all the while facing defensive instability.

It’s certain that Salah will regain his form; this situation can be attributed to rotation rather than a decline in his status.

Manchester United remain an enigma

After their lackluster display in the 1-0 loss to Everton last week, they improved little in their first half against Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, as Palace ran out of steam in the second half, United managed to score twice from set pieces and currently hold sixth place. Are they «back»? Can they aim for a Champions League spot? Or will they falter against West Ham on Thursday? They remain shockingly unpredictable.

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Could Manchester United finish in the top four?

Janusz Michallik evaluates Manchester United’s chances for European competition after their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION

Palace coach Oliver Glasner expressed his frustration after the match. He criticized both of United’s goals, indicating the only chances they could generate were through set pieces. He had a valid point — Joshua Zirkzee‘s superb shot from a tight angle resulted from a Bruno Fernandes free kick, while Mason Mount scored on a free kick as Palace’s defensive wall crumbled. Thus, it was a commendable away victory for United, even as it raised more questions about their consistent form. While Palace certainly appeared fatigued in the latter part of the game, United capitalized.

What’s the usual standard for Manchester United? Are they the team that fell 1-0 to Everton on November 24, or this squad that fought back to a victory against Palace? There was hope they were gaining momentum when they secured three consecutive wins, taking down Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton, only to stumble with a draw against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham before succumbing to Everton. They oscillate between looking like Champions League contenders and appearing to be mid-table average.

United has only one defeat in seven — a step forward — but what’s next hinges on the upcoming three fixtures. With West Ham, Wolves, and Bournemouth awaiting them, they should aim for three victories. Achieve that, and then we can discuss their chances for a Champions League berth.