The Preview - Premier League Round-Up
The Athletic FC Podcast
Release Date: December 27, 2024

Introduction

In this special Christmas edition of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Michael Bailey, alongside esteemed football writers Tim Spears and Duncan Alexander, delves into the most significant events of Boxing Day and provides a comprehensive preview of the upcoming Premier League fixtures. The episode offers in-depth analysis, statistical insights, and expert opinions to keep football enthusiasts informed and engaged.

Boxing Day Highlights

Michael Bailey kicks off the discussion by reflecting on notable Boxing Day statistics:

"Once again, Boxing Day 1963 is safe. That no one scored 10 goals in a game that will continue to get mentioned every year for eternity."
[03:32]

He continues by highlighting the intensity of the matches:

"There was three red cards yesterday. Cards are obviously part of the Christmas tradition. That's the most since there were four on Boxing Day back in 2013. So a feisty and entertaining day it."
[03:40]

Chelsea's Shock Defeat to Fulham

The podcast delves into Chelsea's unexpected loss to Fulham, marking their first victory at Stamford Bridge in 45 years.

Key Points:

• Performance Analysis: Fulham's tactical prowess under Marco Silva proved too much for Chelsea, who couldn't capitalize on their opportunities despite dominating possession.

• Managerial Decisions: Duncan points out that Maresca's shift to a 5-4-1 formation initially frustrated Chelsea, allowing Fulham to equalize and secure the win in stoppage time.

"Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea never put Fulham away. They couldn't find a second goal."
[05:41]

• Implications for Chelsea: Although the defeat is a setback, Chelsea remains in contention for Champions League qualification, standing seven points behind Liverpool with strategic adjustments expected.

"Chelsea are still on track for the Champions League, though this one will leave a sour taste."
[06:05]

Notable Quotes:

"Fulham are great. Fulham will pick up surprise results all season."
Duncan Alexander
[07:19]

"There's a real chance for Forest in a different light."
Duncan Alexander
[32:35]

Liverpool's Dominance at the Top

Liverpool continues to assert their dominance in the Premier League, extending their lead to seven points with a game in hand.

Match Overview:

• Performance: Liverpool overcame Leicester City with two late goals, demonstrating resilience and tactical flexibility.

• Key Players: Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones were pivotal, with Salah adding a decisive goal to secure the victory.

"Salah is in just incredible form. I think that was his 250th goal involvement for Liverpool and his 250th start."
[06:04]

• Upcoming Fixtures: Liverpool's next challenge is against West Ham, a team known for their defensive vulnerabilities.

"Seven points clear with a game in hand. Now the focus will turn to that trip down to West Ham."
[13:10]

Expert Insights:

"When you've got Gakpo in the form of his life off the left, you know when you can kind of rotate Jota or play Diaz up front or Nunes, they kind of know that even if they go down, they probably will come back."
[06:44]

Newcastle United's Resurgence

Newcastle United has experienced a significant turnaround, securing four consecutive victories and climbing to fifth place in the Premier League.

Key Highlights:

• Recent Success: Newcastle's impressive run includes wins against Leicester, Ipswich, Brentford, and Aston Villa, showcasing both offensive prowess and defensive solidity.

"Newcastle have got a real chance to stay up. Momentum goes a long way at the bottom end of the table."
[21:08]

• Tactical Evolution: Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Newcastle has improved defensively while maintaining a potent attack led by Isaac and Bruno Grimaldo.

"They are perfectly set up to take advantage of all the flaws that we've seen in United's play."
[27:59]

Predictions:

"If you have to predict based on form, you've got to predict a handsome away win, to be honest."
Nostalgic Comedian 2
[28:07]

Manchester United's Struggles

Manchester United faces a challenging period with inconsistent performances and tactical shortcomings under new manager Erik ten Hag.

Discussion Points:

• Defensive Issues: United has conceded two Olympico goals in their last five games, highlighting defensive frailties, especially against set pieces.

"Bruno Fernandes has been sent off three times this season. One of those, the ban was overturned, but the red card remains on the player's record."
[24:32]

• Managerial Challenges: Ten Hag's attempts to restructure the team, including formation changes, have not yet yielded positive results, leading to frustration among fans and analysts.

"A Maram is the first United manager to lose as many as five of his first 10 games in charge in all competitions since Walter Crickma in January 1932."
[22:24]

Notable Commentary:

"He's an inspirational footballer, but not necessarily sort of an inspirational leader."
Nostalgic Comedian 2
[25:03]

Nottingham Forest's Strong Performance

Nottingham Forest has surged to third place, closely trailing Chelsea after a decisive victory against Tottenham Hotspur.

Match Recap:

• Dominant Play: Forest's aggressive and committed approach under Nuno Espirito Santo led to a resounding 1-0 win, with Anthony Elanga scoring the decisive goal.

"Forest are so physical. You see it a bit on the CV but to see it in person, they're just flying into challenges everywhere."
[30:11]

• Statistical Achievement: With seven clean sheets, Forest ranks among the league's best defenses, bolstering their chances for a top-four finish.

"They are very committed to what Nuno's asking them to do... it's the pure epitome of a new manager bounce."
[19:23]

Future Outlook:

"If they can keep up this approach for the second half of the season, I think they could come unstuck and possibly qualify for the Champions League."
[32:35]

Manchester City's Continued Struggles

Despite being perennial favorites, Manchester City has struggled, drawing against Everton and maintaining only one win in their last thirteen matches.

Match Analysis:

• Gameplay Issues: City started aggressively but failed to maintain momentum, leading to a 1-1 draw against Everton. Erling Haaland missed a crucial penalty, further complicating their offensive challenges.

"Pep Guardiola teams used to do more attacking play, but ever since Haaland came in, they've become more functional and reached a point where if stuff goes wrong, they can't get out of it."
[38:05]

• Managerial Concerns: Guardiola's post-match demeanor reflects uncertainty, indicating potential strategic reassessments in the upcoming months.

"Pep Guardiola, in his post-match press conference, didn't seem to have many more answers other than we go again."
[37:51]

Arsenal's Injury Woes

Arsenal faces significant challenges with the extended absence of key player Bukayo Saka, impacting their offensive capabilities.

Key Issues:

• Reliance on Saka: Arsenal has heavily depended on Saka for goals and creativity. His injury forces the team to seek alternatives in both the short and long term.

"They've been overly reliant on Saka, and January might not be the time to find a short-term replacement."
[39:30]

• Managerial Strategy: Mikel Arteta's recent tactical shifts indicate a potential move towards a more open and dynamic playing style to compensate for Saka's absence.

"If they're playing a more open game, they have players like Martinelli and Trossard who can step up with a bit more space."
[40:40]

Upcoming Fixtures Preview

The podcast concludes with a look ahead to crucial matches that could significantly impact the Premier League standings:

• Chelsea vs. Ipswich Town: Chelsea aims to rebound from their defeat and secure vital points.

• Fulham vs. Bournemouth: Both teams, positioned in the top eight, are set for a competitive clash with European qualification implications.

• Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham Hotspur: A high-stakes encounter with Forest looking to maintain their strong form against a struggling Spurs side.

"January is the most important month for Spurs. They just need bodies and depth to compete effectively."
[34:23]

Concluding Remarks

Michael Bailey wraps up the episode by thanking the contributors and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for continued coverage in the new year.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Michael Bailey: "Salah is in just incredible form. I think that was his 250th goal involvement for Liverpool and his 250th start."
  [06:04]

• Duncan Alexander: "Fulham are great. Fulham will pick up surprise results all season."
  [07:19]

• Nostalgic Comedian 2: "Red cards are not rescinded. The red card happened and it stays on a player's record."
  [24:38]

Production Credits

The Athletic FC Podcast is produced by Guy Clark, Mike Stavroot, and Jay Beal, with Aidy Moorhead serving as the executive producer. For more insightful football analysis, listeners can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

Disclaimer

This summary excludes all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast's transcript guidelines.