Premier League: Liverpool Soar, Arsenal and West Ham Thrill, Amorim’s United Impress
What a weekend it was in the Premier League! Liverpool continued their dominance at the top of the table, while Arsenal and West Ham United delivered a seven-goal spectacle. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer dazzled for Chelsea, and Manchester United cruised past Everton under new boss Ruben Amorim. Let’s break it all down.
Top Takeaway: Amorim’s United Off to a Strong Start
Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United is off to a promising start. Sure, tougher challenges await—like their upcoming clash with Arsenal on Wednesday—but Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford was exactly what the doctor ordered for the new manager’s Premier League home debut.
United dominated possession with 60% of the ball, completed 555 successful passes at a 90% accuracy rate, and kept a clean sheet. While Everton isn’t exactly a powerhouse, this was a solid performance that showcased control and structure. The 3-4-2-1 formation is starting to take shape, even if the team’s creativity still needs work. Despite an xG of just 0.73, United managed to score four goals, proving that efficiency can sometimes trump flair. For now, it’s all about building confidence and getting the players to buy into Amorim’s system.
Best Match: Arsenal 5-2 West Ham
If you love goals, this was the game for you. Seven goals in the first half alone made for an unforgettable afternoon at the London Stadium. Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, delivering a man-of-the-match performance for Arsenal. The Gunners’ attacking display was electric, capped off by a stunning direct free kick from Emerson. Unfortunately for West Ham, their defensive woes turned this into a nightmare they’ll want to forget.
Best Goal: Cole Palmer’s Wonder Strike
Even on an off day, Cole Palmer finds a way to shine. The Chelsea starlet delivered a jaw-dropping goal against Aston Villa, curling a shot into the top corner. Add in his assist for Enzo Fernández, and it’s clear Palmer is becoming a key player for the Blues.
MVP of the Weekend: Kevin Schade
Take a bow, Kevin Schade. The Brentford forward was unstoppable in their 4-1 win over Leicester, racking up three goals and an assist. It’s not every day you see a performance like that, and Schade fully deserves the spotlight this week.
LaLiga: Barcelona Stumble, Madrid Clubs Close In
Top Takeaway: Barça’s Slump Opens the Door
It was a weekend to forget for Barcelona. Celebrating their 125th anniversary should have been a joyous occasion, but Las Palmas spoiled the party with a 2-1 upset. This marked Barça’s third straight league game without a win, following a loss to Real Sociedad and a draw with Celta Vigo.
Injuries and suspensions didn’t help, but the cracks are starting to show. Coach Hansi Flick admitted there’s a “disconnect” in the team, and opponents seem to have figured out how to exploit their high defensive line. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are closing the gap, making the title race more exciting than ever.
Best Match: Villarreal 2-2 Girona
Drama? Check. A 97th-minute equalizer? Check. Ladislav Krejčí’s stunning volley earned Girona a hard-fought draw against Villarreal. It’s a result that keeps Girona’s top-four hopes alive while dealing a blow to Villarreal’s ambitions.
Best Goal: Antoine Griezmann’s Magic
Antoine Griezmann was at his brilliant best in Atletico Madrid’s 5-0 demolition of Real Valladolid. His second-half goal—a flick through his own legs followed by a clinical finish—was so good it earned applause from the opposing fans.
MVP of the Weekend: Jude Bellingham
Even in just 45 minutes, Jude Bellingham made his mark. The England star scored a penalty and set up Kylian Mbappé in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe. Madrid are now just one point behind Barça with a game in hand.
Bundesliga: Bayern Lead, Leipzig in Crisis
Top Takeaway: Leipzig’s Free Fall
It’s been a nightmare month for RB Leipzig. A 5-1 thrashing by Wolfsburg capped off a winless November, leaving Leipzig fourth in the table and far from their early-season form. Manager Marco Rose is under pressure, but sporting director Marcel Schäfer is standing by him—for now.
Best Match: Dortmund 1-1 Bayern
The Klassiker delivered once again. Borussia Dortmund started strong, but Bayern Munich fought back to earn a controversial late equalizer. It was a game of high stakes and high drama, proving the rivalry is alive and well.
Best Goal: Jamie Gittens’ Stunner
Jamie Gittens lit up the Klassiker with a sensational solo effort, sprinting past defenders and smashing the ball past Manuel Neuer. It was a moment of brilliance in a tightly contested match.
MVP of the Weekend: Mohamed Amoura
Mohamed Amoura was the star of Wolfsburg’s win over Leipzig, scoring twice and causing havoc for the opposition defense. The Algerian forward is proving to be a key player in Wolfsburg’s resurgence.
What Else You Missed
- Red Bull Woes: Both RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg are struggling, raising questions about their long-term strategies.
- Klopp’s New Role: Jürgen Klopp will take over as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull in January, and he’ll have plenty to fix.
Originally Written by: Julien Laurens
