Premier League

Liverpool held off a Richarlison-inspired fightback to beat nine-man Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Isak – a second-half substitute – scored and was then forced off injured early in the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Xavi Simons received a straight red card in the 33rd minute.

Ekitike then continued his hot streak with a towering header 66 minutes in, his fifth goal in his last three matches, putting Liverpool in a commanding position.

Yet the reigning Premier League champions relinquished their control when Spurs substitute Richarlison pulled one back in the 83rd minute.

Just as Spurs built up a head of steam, Cristian Romero capped off a poor evening, lashing out at Ibrahima Konate to receive a second yellow card, as Liverpool held on to move fifth, while Thomas Frank’s team sit 13th.

How the match unfolded

A cagey first half was punctuated by Simons’ moment of recklessness as he left his studs in on Virgil van Dijk, and after a VAR review, referee John Brooks changed his decision from a yellow card to a red.

Liverpool needed just 11 second-half minutes to make their numerical advantage count. Romero’s error gifted the Reds an opening, with Florian Wirtz playing in Isak, who coolly finished beyond Guglielmo Vicario.

In the process, though, Isak was slammed into by Micky van de Ven, and rather than celebrating, the forward had to go off with the help of Liverpool’s medical staff.

The Reds’ goal lived a charmed life when Randal Kolo Muani’s effort looped off Milos Kerkez and clipped the crossbar, but Liverpool made their fortune count as Ekitike brilliantly headed home from Jeremie Frimpong’s deflected cross.

But as the visitors seemed to be cruising towards three points, Richarlison swept in following a scramble in the box just over two minutes after his introduction.

Spurs’ hopes received a blow as Romero picked up a second booking in the 93rd minute when he kicked out at Konate, with Liverpool just about holding firm.

Early Christmas cards, but no festive cheer for Spurs

There was little Christmas cheer around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium even before Simons made Spurs’ life much more difficult with his reckless challenge on Van Dijk.

Simons has had a slow start to life at Spurs, though had shown flashes of brilliance in recent home wins against Brentford and Slavia Prague.

Yet there was no need at all for the playmaker to lunge in on his Dutch compatriot, and he can have few complaints that he was sent off.

Romero, though, endured a worse evening than Simons.

The Spurs captain was at least partly at fault for both Liverpool goals, giving away possession with a rash clearance in the build-up to Isak’s opener, before he was towered over by Ekitike when the Frenchman made it 2-0.

For Romero to let his temper boil over when Spurs had Liverpool on the ropes in stoppage time will infuriate Frank, who may have wished he had turned to Richarlison earlier, given the forward’s immediate impact from the bench.

Despite their late flurry, Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games. They head into Christmas in the bottom half and have tasted victory just twice in the top flight at home all season. A trip to Crystal Palace comes next.

Isak’s bittersweet moment

With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, there was no drama over whether Arne Slot would start the Egyptian, who assisted against Brighton & Hove Albion last week, for the first time since November.

Liverpool were certainly missing a spark in the first half, and in truth, if not for Romero’s mistake, which the defender compounded by then rushing out of the defensive line to try and atone for it, the Reds may well have been feeling Salah’s absence.

As it was, Isak made his mark after coming on from the bench to replace Conor Bradley. His run and finish for Liverpool’s opener was excellent, and he has now netted seven league goals against Spurs.

Yet Isak’s joy was short-lived. No sooner had the ball hit the back of the net, he took the brunt of a desperate attempted block from Van de Ven, and he could not continue.

Ekitike showed his class with what turned out to be Liverpool’s winner, but Slot will be far from pleased with how his team defended in the latter stages, and even after Romero’s dismissal, Spurs still looked capable of snatching an equaliser.

Liverpool got the job done, though, and Slot will hope a home game against lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers proves easier to navigate.

Club reports

Spurs report | Liverpool report

What the managers said

Thomas Frank: "First and foremost, I'm extremely proud of the players and the team. I think they gave everything and showed unbelievable mentality and worked very hard on how to deal with setbacks.

"The way they responded to several setbacks was immense. The first one is the first red, which I think... I've seen it given before but I don't like it. I don't like those types of red cards because I think the game is gone if that's a red card. I don't think it's a reckless tackle. I don't think it's exceptional force."

Arne Slot: "Three points away at Spurs is very nice. It is a difficult stadium to go to, a good team to play against. Of course they lost last week so today they wanted to make it up in front of their fans. For us the aim was to win again because we need wins to let the league table look better for us and eventually that's what we did."

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Key facts

Spurs have lost 11 home league games in 2025, their most ever in a single calendar year across club history.

Liverpool have witnessed their opponents receive four red cards in the Premier League this season, double the number of any other side in the competition.

Liverpool’s Isak has netted seven goals across his six Premier League games against Spurs, his most against any side in the competition, with his side winning in each of his five goalscoring appearances against this opponent.

Across all competitions in 2025/26, only Erling Haaland (23) has struck more non-penalty goals amongst Premier League players than Liverpool’s Ekitike (11).

Liverpool held off a Richarlison-inspired fightback to beat nine-man Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Isak – a second-half substitute – scored and was then forced off injured early in the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Xavi Simons received a straight red card in the 33rd minute.

Ekitike then continued his hot streak with a towering header 66 minutes in, his fifth goal in his last three matches, putting Liverpool in a commanding position.

Yet the reigning Premier League champions relinquished their control when Spurs substitute Richarlison pulled one back in the 83rd minute.

Just as Spurs built up a head of steam, Cristian Romero capped off a poor evening, lashing out at Ibrahima Konate to receive a second yellow card, as Liverpool held on to move fifth, while Thomas Frank’s team sit 13th.

How the match unfolded

A cagey first half was punctuated by Simons’ moment of recklessness as he left his studs in on Virgil van Dijk, and after a VAR review, referee John Brooks changed his decision from a yellow card to a red.

Liverpool needed just 11 second-half minutes to make their numerical advantage count. Romero’s error gifted the Reds an opening, with Florian Wirtz playing in Isak, who coolly finished beyond Guglielmo Vicario.

In the process, though, Isak was slammed into by Micky van de Ven, and rather than celebrating, the forward had to go off with the help of Liverpool’s medical staff.

The Reds’ goal lived a charmed life when Randal Kolo Muani’s effort looped off Milos Kerkez and clipped the crossbar, but Liverpool made their fortune count as Ekitike brilliantly headed home from Jeremie Frimpong’s deflected cross.

But as the visitors seemed to be cruising towards three points, Richarlison swept in following a scramble in the box just over two minutes after his introduction.

Spurs’ hopes received a blow as Romero picked up a second booking in the 93rd minute when he kicked out at Konate, with Liverpool just about holding firm.

Early Christmas cards, but no festive cheer for Spurs

There was little Christmas cheer around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium even before Simons made Spurs’ life much more difficult with his reckless challenge on Van Dijk.

Simons has had a slow start to life at Spurs, though had shown flashes of brilliance in recent home wins against Brentford and Slavia Prague.

Yet there was no need at all for the playmaker to lunge in on his Dutch compatriot, and he can have few complaints that he was sent off.

Romero, though, endured a worse evening than Simons.

The Spurs captain was at least partly at fault for both Liverpool goals, giving away possession with a rash clearance in the build-up to Isak’s opener, before he was towered over by Ekitike when the Frenchman made it 2-0.

For Romero to let his temper boil over when Spurs had Liverpool on the ropes in stoppage time will infuriate Frank, who may have wished he had turned to Richarlison earlier, given the forward’s immediate impact from the bench.

Despite their late flurry, Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games. They head into Christmas in the bottom half and have tasted victory just twice in the top flight at home all season. A trip to Crystal Palace comes next.

Isak’s bittersweet moment

With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, there was no drama over whether Arne Slot would start the Egyptian, who assisted against Brighton & Hove Albion last week, for the first time since November.

Liverpool were certainly missing a spark in the first half, and in truth, if not for Romero’s mistake, which the defender compounded by then rushing out of the defensive line to try and atone for it, the Reds may well have been feeling Salah’s absence.

As it was, Isak made his mark after coming on from the bench to replace Conor Bradley. His run and finish for Liverpool’s opener was excellent, and he has now netted seven league goals against Spurs.

Yet Isak’s joy was short-lived. No sooner had the ball hit the back of the net, he took the brunt of a desperate attempted block from Van de Ven, and he could not continue.

Ekitike showed his class with what turned out to be Liverpool’s winner, but Slot will be far from pleased with how his team defended in the latter stages, and even after Romero’s dismissal, Spurs still looked capable of snatching an equaliser.

Liverpool got the job done, though, and Slot will hope a home game against lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers proves easier to navigate.

Club reports

Spurs report | Liverpool report

What the managers said

Thomas Frank: "First and foremost, I'm extremely proud of the players and the team. I think they gave everything and showed unbelievable mentality and worked very hard on how to deal with setbacks.

"The way they responded to several setbacks was immense. The first one is the first red, which I think... I've seen it given before but I don't like it. I don't like those types of red cards because I think the game is gone if that's a red card. I don't think it's a reckless tackle. I don't think it's exceptional force."

Arne Slot: "Three points away at Spurs is very nice. It is a difficult stadium to go to, a good team to play against. Of course they lost last week so today they wanted to make it up in front of their fans. For us the aim was to win again because we need wins to let the league table look better for us and eventually that's what we did."

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Key facts

Spurs have lost 11 home league games in 2025, their most ever in a single calendar year across club history.

Liverpool have witnessed their opponents receive four red cards in the Premier League this season, double the number of any other side in the competition.

Liverpool’s Isak has netted seven goals across his six Premier League games against Spurs, his most against any side in the competition, with his side winning in each of his five goalscoring appearances against this opponent.

Across all competitions in 2025/26, only Erling Haaland (23) has struck more non-penalty goals amongst Premier League players than Liverpool’s Ekitike (11).

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice and set up another as Nottingham Forest got back to winning ways in the Premier League in emphatic fashion by dispatching Tottenham Hotspur 3-0.

Forest slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Everton last weekend, but Sean Dyche’s team got back on track by making light work of a lacklustre Spurs side at the City Ground.

Hudson-Odoi put Forest in control, opening the scoring midway through the first half before doubling his tally when Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misjudged a wicked cross-shot in the 50th minute.

Ibrahim Sangare, who assisted both of Hudson-Odoi’s goals, then capped off a magnificent midfield performance with a wonderful first-time effort from distance.

Forest are now five points clear of the relegation zone in 16th, while Spurs sit 11th, having missed a chance to move into the top half.

More to follow...

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Football writer Alex Keble highlights the hot topics from Matchweek 13, including:

- Chelsea performance keeps title race open and hints at away issues for Arsenal

- Hall, Livramento and Miley reinvigorate Newcastle’s away form

- Fragile Spurs are adding defensive malaise to their poor attacking record

- Isak goal gives Liverpool something to build on – without Salah

- Man City are slowing down at the precise moment they’re supposed to speed up

- Villa’s unsustainable way of scoring is a lurking danger for Emery

- Sunderland’s comeback could be a season-defining moment – for both clubs

- Man Utd keep their recovery on track with unlikely comeback

- Brighton’s brilliant form makes Champions League dream a reality

- Brentford’s efficiency has almost sealed safety already

Chelsea performance keeps title race open and hints at away issues for Arsenal

Chelsea’s tenacity and the tactical bravery of head coach Enzo Maresca earned his 10 men a deserved point against Arsenal, as we covered in the post-match analysis, and despite Moises Caicedo's red card, it was a draw both sides will be happy with.

Arsenal - playing without Gabriel and William Saliba for only the second time since the start of the 2022/23 season - were on the back foot from the outset and could easily have lost this one.

Mikel Arteta will be satisfied to have emerged relatively unscathed, especially with Martin Odegaard on his way back from injury and Bukayo Saka recording his first Premier League assist in exactly 365 days.

If Saka and Odegaard are about to find form, Arsenal will go up yet another notch. They remain the clear favourites to win the title.

But the draw keeps Chelsea in the race, while Manchester City are two points closer to the top than they were before the weekend. The result at Stamford Bridge also provided evidence for a new theory: Arsenal aren’t as solid away from home as you might think.

Arteta’s side have drawn consecutive away matches in the Premier League and, perhaps surprisingly, they have only won one away match by more than a single goal this season, when they beat 19th-place Burnley 2-0 in November.

This is a minor quibble. Arsenal top the form table for away matches, with 14 points from seven games on the road. But having only squeezed past Fulham 1-0 before the Burnley game, followed by back-to-back draws, it offers renewed hope for the title chasers – especially with the Gunners having a trip to in-form Aston Villa coming up on Saturday.

Arsenal's next PL fixtures

Hall, Livramento and Miley reinvigorate Newcastle’s away form

Finally, Newcastle United have won an away game in the Premier League. Their first league victory on the road in the 2025/26 season and first since April could be a watershed moment for Eddie Howe’s team who, despite remaining in the bottom half of the table, are only six points off third place.

Newcastle's away form has been reinvigorated by three players in particular.

First, full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento – who due to injury have only started together three times this season – provided attacking width and forward momentum at Everton.

Both players made frequent under-lapping runs, both inverted to help Newcastle dominate midfield, and both contributed considerably in the final third (five chances created).

Having reliable full-backs completely reshapes the Newcastle team, but so too does using energetic central midfielders. Howe’s side have looked lethargic in the middle, particularly away from home, but 19-year-old Lewis Miley blew away the cobwebs on Saturday.

Miley became the second-youngest player to both score and assist in the same Premier League match for Newcastle, after Charles N'Zogbia against Blackburn Rovers in September 2005.

Watch: Miley's goal v Everton

He has a very bright future ahead of him. If Howe can tap into his energy, and keep the full-backs fit, then Newcastle should rocket up the table.

Fragile Spurs are adding defensive malaise to their poor attacking record

Things are going from bad to worse for Thomas Frank. He has struggled to create a proactive tactical setup that allows Tottenham Hotspur to dominate possession with purpose, but as results sour and confidence wanes, we are beginning to see a malaise setting in at the other end of the pitch.

Fulham’s opening goal typified the confusion of Spurs’ formation and Frank’s hesitancy in committing to progressive football.

The front players pressed and the defenders retreated, causing a huge gap into which Fulham freely moved. From an innocuous position of settled Fulham possession, one longer ball forward revealed a huge gap between Spurs’ front and back (below).

When formations become as stretched as this, when the defenders stop following up the hard-pressing forwards, it is usually a sign of either tactical disorientation or low confidence. In this case, it’s both.

Spurs are averaging just 9.5 shots and 3.2 shots on target per game in the Premier League this season, both of which are their lowest averages on record in a single campaign since 2003/04.

The numbers are concerning, the playing style has supporters riled, and now results have pulled Spurs into the bottom half.

Isak goal gives Liverpool something to build on – without Salah

Alexander Isak’s well-taken goal has the potential to be an enormous moment – for him personally, for Arne Slot, and for Liverpool.

It could still be a long road to recovery, but Liverpool are now in the top half and looking up again, with games this week against Sunderland and Leeds United offering the chance to put a string of wins together and move into the UEFA Champions League places.

That they have taken positive steps without Mohamed Salah is significant. Many Liverpool supporters have been calling for Salah to be rested for some time, and without him at West Ham United, the team looked notably sharper.

Dominic Szoboszlai's presence on the right gave Liverpool an industrious energy and allowed the team to dominate the midfield battle while also making room for Florian Wirtz.

There was more balance in Salah’s absence. Slot might take the painful decision of leaving his talisman on the bench this week.

Man City are slowing down at the precise moment they’re supposed to speed up

Man City have won each of their last six Premier League matches at the Etihad Stadium and are now within five points of Arsenal in the table, yet there were more negatives than positives to take from this match.

Pep Guardiola’s side conceded two or more goals in a Premier League game against a promoted team for the first time since April 2021, and of course almost threw away two points until Phil Foden’s moment of brilliance made the Leeds comeback redundant.

What’s more, Erling Haaland had just one shot, his joint-fewest in a home match in all competitions since he arrived at Etihad Stadium in July 2022. It also means Haaland is goalless in his last three club outings, only one of which was a victory for Man City.

After losing to Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen in the last week, a win by any means necessary was essential. Had Leeds taken a point from 2-0 down, Man City’s morale could have taken a serious hit.

It still might. Man City’s defence looked brittle, which, combined with Haaland's unexpected dry spell, hints that Guardiola's side are slowing down just when they are supposed to be speeding up.

"Now the international break is done, we will see each other every few days until March, so the real season starts now," Guardiola said before the Newcastle game.

Since then, Man City have been anything but convincing, scraping over the line on Saturday. They have to improve at Fulham tomorrow.

Villa’s unsustainable way of scoring is a lurking danger for Emery

Villa have won 11 of the last 13 matches in all competitions, a truly extraordinary run that leaves them just six points off the top of the table. On results alone, you would have to say Unai Emery's side are emerging as outsiders for the title - and they will host the league leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

But performances suggest otherwise, and the underlying numbers back up a more pessimistic angle.

Nine of Villa’s 16 Premier League goals this season have been scored from outside the box (56 per cent). They are the only team in the competition’s history who have scored more than half their goals from that range in a single season.

Boubacar Kamara’s brilliant winner followed a trend – and it’s an unsustainable one; of all the things to lean upon, scoring screamers is probably the least reliable.

Only Burnley (9.7) have a lower Expected Goals (xG) tally than the 11.9 of Villa, and their 0.08 xG per shot is the lowest in the Premier League.

Meanwhile Opta’s "Expected Points" table has Emery’s side all the way down in 19th spot.

If Villa cannot find a way to become more creative, if they cannot inject pace and energy into the side, if they cannot get Ollie Watkins scoring again, then they will soon regress.

Sunderland’s comeback could be a season-defining moment – for both clubs

Sunderland came back from two goals down to win a Premier League for the very first time (at the 188th attempt), and it might prove to be the most significant moment of their entire season.

Winning in that fashion provides a huge lift for everyone connected with the club and the timing could not have been better. Sunderland had gone three matches without a victory, their strong start threatening to desert them.

Instead, they are buoyant again ahead of tough matches at Anfield and the Etihad this week.

It was a sliding doors moment for AFC Bournemouth, too, who must have thought they were on their way to a first win in four when Tyler Adams made it 2-0 with a superb goal.

Watch: Adams' incredible goal v Sunderland

But Andoni Iraola’s side had the rug pulled out from under them and now enter the hectic festive period on a four-game winless run.

Bournemouth are no longer in the top half. The Cherries' recent results have not matched those from earlier in the season, winning just two of their last nine in the Premier League.

Man Utd keep their recovery on track with unlikely comeback

What was most impressive about Manchester United’s win at Selhurst Park wasn’t the performance – there have been better in recent weeks – but the way in which Ruben Amorim’s side overcame so many obstacles to get there.

Crystal Palace were unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions at Selhurst Park, and Man Utd had not come back from a goal down to win away from home since December 2024. The Palace opener felt like a winner.

Joshua Zirkzee's first goal in 364 days was another unlikely event, and another sign that Amorim is finally getting the rub of the green.

To be a success at Man Utd, Amorim needs to be good and lucky. The last couple of months have indicated the first part is coming together. Results like Sunday’s suggest fortune is beginning to favour them too.

Brighton’s brilliant form makes Champions League dream a reality

Brighton & Hove Albion are accelerating faster and faster, the free midweeks helping Fabian Hurzeler put together an exciting brand of attacking football that has supporters rightly hopeful of Champions League qualification.

They are brilliant to watch, and never more so than in the opening 20 minutes at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, when they attempted nine shots, their most in the first 20 minutes of a Premier League game.

Brighton’s strength in depth only increases their chances of improving further. Stefanos Tzimas scored his first Premier League goal for Brighton, while Maxim De Cuyper's second goal for the club showed he is settling in nicely.

Brentford's efficiency has almost sealed safety already

Brentford have won three consecutive home games and the latest one followed a familiar pattern.

Dango Ouattara has won a penalty in four of his last five Premier League matches.

Indeed, there is a simplicity and consistency with which Brentford go forward, and a ruthlessness too - their conversion rate (14.9 per cent) is the second-best in the division.

Keith Andrews is maximising the team’s strengths superbly and, after Saturday’s win, has put Brentford in a position where relegation no longer feels plausible.

More on Matchweek 13

Harry Wilson's stunning goal proved decisive as Fulham picked up their first victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 2-1 win over Thomas Frank's side.

Spurs have not won at home in the Premier League since beating Burnley on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 season, and they were stunned as Fulham roared 2-0 ahead within the opening six minutes on Saturday.

Kenny Tete's deflected strike put Fulham 1-0 up after three minutes, then Wilson sensationally curled home from the right-hand touchline with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario caught in no man's land.

Mohammed Kudus's brilliant volley halved the deficit after 59 minutes, but Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani missed Spurs' best chances to level as they suffered their fourth home defeat in the top flight this season.

Spurs sit in 10th, and while Fulham remain 15th, the gap between the teams is now just one point.

How the match unfolded

Fulham took the lead from their first meaningful attack in the fourth minute, when Samuel Chukwueze's pass across the edge of the area fell to Tete, whose shot beat Vicario via a deflection off Destiny Udogie.

Things got worse for Spurs less than two minutes later as Vicario raced out to the left-back position and cleared straight to Josh King, who teed up Wilson to curl home from an improbable angle and distance.

Chukwueze then rattled the post as Fulham hunted more goals, while Micky van de Ven made a remarkable goal-saving challenge to deny the Nigeria international.

Spurs' first clear chance saw Kolo Muani head wide in the 57th minute, but they got one back two minutes later as Kudus' thunderous volley beat Bernd Leno at his near post.

Raul Jimenez then nodded Bergvall's glancing header off the line as Spurs looked to turn the screw, before Kolo Muani backheeled into the side netting.

But Fulham were relatively comfortable after withstanding that wave of pressure, with the full-time whistle prompting further jeers from the home fans.

Pressure builds on Spurs after more home misery

The pressure was on for Spurs and Frank coming into this game, following a chastening six days in which they suffered two losses – and conceded nine goals – against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Frank was proud of how his team played against the European champions, but he would have been far from impressed as Spurs fell two behind within five minutes and 43 seconds – the earliest they have ever been 2-0 down at home in the Premier League.

If Vicario was unfortunate for Fulham's deflected opener, he was at fault for the second goal. Having made the ill-advised decision to keep the ball in play when sweeping up outside his area, he sliced his clearance under pressure from Jimenez, and Wilson opportunistically picked out the empty net.

Jeers rained down from the stands, and more followed when Vicario next touched the ball. There were further boos at half-time.

Spurs’ first attempt on target was a rocket from the left boot of Kudus, which beat Leno through pure power. They then penned Fulham back, but their best spell of pressure dissipated when Jimenez kept out Bergvall's looping header.

With only five points from seven games on their own turf, Spurs may be relieved to get on the road again on Tuesday, against Newcastle United.

Widemen propel resurgent Fulham to memorable win

A run of four straight Premier League defeats across September and October threatened to drag Fulham into the relegation battle, though last week’s win over Sunderland helped settle the nerves.

And now, just a few weeks removed from casting a nervous glance over their shoulders, Fulham can look up the table after a third win in four matches.

Though Spurs admittedly played a significant role in their own downfall, Fulham were clinical on the counter-attack and should have been out of sight before half-time.

Wilson had plenty to do for his goal even with Vicario nowhere to be seen, while Chukwueze's willingness to stretch the play continually caused issues for Spurs. He looked primed to make it 3-0 when he side-stepped Vicario in the 26th minute, but Van de Ven galloped back.

At the other end, Calvin Bassey and Joachim Andersen – aside from one nervy clearance over his own crossbar – were generally excellent.

Substitutes Kevin and Emile Smith Rowe, as well as the tireless Jimenez, helped keep Spurs honest at the other end as Fulham saw out a memorable win. With Manchester City visiting Craven Cottage on Tuesday, Marco Silva's men will be eyeing another upset.

Club reports

Spurs report | Fulham report

What the managers said

Thomas Frank: "When you're down 2-0 after six minutes, there is a mountain to climb. When you're in a bad spell, everything seems to go against you as well - the first was a deflected shot, the second is a mistake from Vic [Guglielmo Vicario]. I didn't like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times after that.

"After that, we rushed the first half in many ways. We wanted to come back into the game but couldn't do it in the first half, but we got much better in the second half. We got a bit of momentum, created more chances and opportunities, but couldn't get the second goal."

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Key facts

Spurs suffered their 10th home defeat of 2025 in the Premier League, with this now their joint-most home league defeats in a single calendar year in club history (also 10 in 1994 and 2003).

Spurs have lost four consecutive home London derbies for the first time in the Premier League (v Chelsea x2, Crystal Palace and Fulham).

Fulham picked up just their second away win against Tottenham in the Premier League within the last two decades, with this their first since a 1-0 victory in March 2013 under Martin Jol.

Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where matches could be won and lost in Matchweek 13.

Team analysis: Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have been responsible for the two lowest Expected Goals (xG) match totals this season, and come into Saturday night’s meeting with Fulham having conceded nine goals in a week.

With home form an issue too, the pressure is building on Thomas Frank to inspire much-needed positivity and belief this weekend.

What is Thomas Frank’s likely approach?

Planning for Spurs' tactical strategy will be a near impossible task for Fulham head coach Marco Silva.

Starting the last three matches in different formations, Frank is flip-flopping between game plans in search of a winning formula.

Will he replicate the narrow 4-4-2 designed to press high against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek?

Could he go back to the more passive 3-4-2-1 we saw in the north London derby?

Or will he revert to his preferred systems, 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, for the Cottagers’ visit?

Right now, there is no Plan A under Frank.

So, until the players line up for kick off, there is every chance Silva and his players will just have to wait and see.

Spurs formations used in all competition 25/26

Formation Matches 4-2-3-1 9 4-3-3 8 3-4-2-1 1 4-2-2-2 1 5-3-2 1

Getting balance in attack

It is not easy juggling team selections when you are playing UEFA Champions League football, and having to rotate in this manner is a new experience for Frank.

Finding the right balance has at times been problematic.

While he has largely settled on a consistent central midfield axis, and a fairly regular defence, in forward areas there has been little consistency in his starting XIs.

Making at least two personnel or positional changes to attacking positions in seven of the last eight Premier League matches, relationships have not been given time to flourish.

Spurs attacking combinations last 12 PL matches 25/26

Matchweek Striker Left forward No 10 Right forward 12 Richarlison Odobert - Kudus 11 Kolo Muani Richarlison Simons Johnson 10 Kolo Muani Bergvall Sarr Kudus 9 Kolo Muani Simons Kudus Johnson 8 Tel Odobert Simons Kudus 7 Tel Odobert Simons Kudus 6 Richarlison Simons Bergvall Kudus 5 Richarlison Odobert - Kudus 4 Tel Simons - Kudus 3 Richarlison Johnson - Kudus 2 Richarlison Johnson - Kudus 1 Richarlison Johnson - Kudus

Home struggles

Spurs have won just three of their last 20 home matches in the Premier League. losing 12 times.

Lacking confidence in front of their own supporters, perhaps understandably, Frank’s men have collected only two points from their last five at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A lack of tempo and creativity has been the biggest issue.

Spurs have struggled to pull opponents out of position at home, not moving the ball quickly enough or in a progressive way.

Burnley are the only side with inferior attacking data than Spurs.

Teams with lowest attacking output 25/26

Team Fewest shots Fewest shots on target Lowest xG Burnley 37 12 3.30 Spurs 54 18 5.21 West Ham 64 - - Sunderland - 19 5.64 Brentford 64 - - Fulham - 22 - Aston Villa - - 6.13

What must Spurs do better at home?

There has to be greater ambition in Spurs’ passing if they are to score more goals in front of their own supporters.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have attempted a combined 72 through-balls in home matches.

In stark contrast, Spurs have tried just one through-ball; the lowest tally in the division.

When you add in away matches, Spurs have made just four through-ball attempts all season; 39 shy of leaders Arsenal.

Through-balls in PL 25/26

Team Through-balls Arsenal 26 Man Utd 24 Man City 22 Spurs 1

Frank needs to demand greater movement from forwards Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.

But his central midfield options, Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr also have a responsibility to throw caution to the wind a little more often too.

None of them move the ball forward with enough regularity, taking the safe option instead.

These pass maps from the last two Premier League home matches, highlight the issue. (kicking left to right)

There is also a slight imbalance to the way Spurs attack under Frank, with far more productivity coming down their right flank, usually via Kudus and Pedro Porro.

On the left, Spurs do not get in behind opposition defences.

Using Destiny Udiogie on a more frequent basis at left-back, may increase balance and attacking thrust.

This shot assist map below, paints a clear picture of that issue.

Outside of corners, Spurs have also created just one chance that has ended with a shot from inside the six-yard box.

What has changed most?

From a tactical perspective, the shift from Ange Postecoglou to Frank has been radical.

Sharing very different philosophies, the Spurs players are likely caught between two stools, yet to settle on a clear new identity.

Frank has always been flexible, able to coach more than one style, but he will no doubt be seeking to implement greater clarity from now on.

His narrow 4-4-2 pressed extremely well against PSG in midweek, yet last Sunday they barely tried to close down Arsenal players at Emirates Stadium.

While the shape may change into more of a 4-2-3-1 against Fulham, with morale in need of a lift you can expect the sort of hostile, proactive approach used in Paris.

In terms of how things have altered under Frank, the following stats tell their own story.

How Spurs build-up play compares last two seasons

Statistic 2024/25* 2025/26* High turnovers 8.42 5.58 Shot-ending high turnovers 1.11 0.08 Pressed sequences 12.1 10.3 Build-up attacks 2.79 1.58 10+ pass sequences 11.13 9.58 % of long passes 7.30 11.10

*Per 90

Spurs are playing a higher share of long passes (the biggest rise among Premier League clubs) and there is less patience in their build-ups too.

Out of possession they have not pressed with anywhere near as much conviction either, with high turnovers in short supply.

Remarkably, they have had just one shot from a high turnover across their 12 matches so far.

In 2024/25 they averaged more than one a game.

Right now it feels like there is plenty of work to be done by Frank to get Spurs at the level they need to be, but we have seen glimpses of the potential they carry and really need a win this weekend.

Also in this series

Football writer Tom Hancock reports on Wednesday's UEFA Champions League matches featuring Premier League clubs.

In-form Gunners end Bayern's unbeaten run to go top of another table

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Premier League leaders Arsenal reinforced their Champions League credentials by convincingly ending Bayern Munich’s 21-game away unbeaten record to go top of the League Phase table and make it five wins from five in this season’s competition.

Still riding the wave of Sunday’s 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur, Mikel Arteta made two changes to his starting line-up. Myles Lewis-Skelly came in for Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, while Cristhian Mosquera got the nod over Piero Hincapie alongside William Saliba, making for a brand new central defensive partnership.

Arsenal have struggled against Bayern historically, but it came as no great surprise when Jurrien Timber rose to head in from Bukayo Saka's typically dangerous corner and break the deadlock. It was Arsenal’s 17th set-piece goal of the campaign in all competitions, penalties excluded, and their 10th from corners alone.

The Gunners’ lead was short-lived, though, 17-year-old sensation Lennart Karl rounding off a slick move for Bayern’s equaliser. For the first time since May, Arteta's side had conceded in successive home games.

Arsenal began the second half in lively fashion and Mosquera went close to opening his Gunners account, forcing a sharp reaction save from Manuel Neuer as a riveting encounter continued at frenetic pace, mainly from Arsenal. Moments later, Declan Rice burst into the box, only for another fine save by Neuer and some brilliant last-ditch defending from Konrad Laimer to keep the score at 1-1.

But Arsenal were soon rewarded for their persistence, scoring twice in the space of seven minutes to go 3-1 up and put the game beyond Bayern. First, Noni Madueke buried fellow substitute Calafiori's first-time cross; then, another second-half introduction, Gabriel Martinelli underscored the Gunners’ strength in depth when he latched on to Eberechi Eze's pass, rounded a stranded Neuer and stroked the ball into an empty net.

It was the eighth goal involvement by an Arsenal substitute this season, the most in the competition.

At the other end of the pitch, they stifled England captain Harry Kane to the point that he didn't have a single shot in 90 minutes, the first time that has happened in all his meetings with them. During his long career with Spurs, he scored 14 Premier League goals against Arsenal, more than any other player in the competition.

The only concern was Leandro Trossard going off in the first half.

The Gunners are now unbeaten in 16 matches in all competitions, and Arteta appears to be taking it all in his stride.

"Individually, we were immense," he said. "After yesterday, they [the players] know how hard they work to prepare for every single game.

"Today is another massive victory. Now we go home, have a nice dinner, and go to Stamford Bridge [on Sunday]."

Now out in front domestically and continentally, Arsenal will head into their London derby away to Chelsea in the Premier League with an almighty spring in their step.

Slot's men humbled at home by PSV

Liverpool 1-4 PSV Eindhoven

Liverpool suffered yet more misery as PSV Eindhoven ran riot at Anfield and inflicted a third straight loss on Arne Slot’s side in all competitions.

Perhaps surprisingly in the wake of Saturday’s chastening 3-0 home Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest, Slot kept his starting 11 almost identical. Hugo Ekitike replaced Alexander Isak up front, while the only other change was enforced, Giorgi Mamardashvili coming in between the sticks with Alisson absent through illness.

So, it was a familiar line-up for Liverpool – and it was soon a familiar story as, for the 10th time already this season, they conceded the first goal. With barely five minutes gone at Anfield, Ivan Perisic sent Mamardashvili the wrong way from 12 yards after Reds captain Virgil van Dijk had handled the ball while defending a corner. Van Dijk has now given away three penalties in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League player.

However, unlike in each of their last two games – 3-0 Premier League defeats away to Manchester City and at home to Forest – Liverpool got themselves back on level terms, stand-in right-back Dominik Szoboszlai scoring his third goal of the campaign in all competitions after Cody Gakpo's initial effort was saved.

Going in all square at the break and having had 13 shots to the visitors’ five in the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool might have felt momentum was with them going into the second half. Instead, PSV seized the initiative back, Guus Til restoring the Eredivisie leaders' advantage.

PSV weren’t done there, though, as substitute Couhaib Driouech bagged a brace to ensure a nightmarish evening at Anfield for the reigning Premier League champions.

The Reds have now conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time since December 1992 and have lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions. It's the club's worst run of form since 1953/54.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Slot tried to find the positives. He said: "We came back into the game and had enough chances to go 2-1 up and at half-time, I don’t think anyone would have expected us to lose 4-1.

"After conceding to make it 2-1, we had chances to make it 2-2, and then we conceded another goal. It’s hard to take."

Liverpool's head coach acknowledged his side's predicament, adding: "We have to face what we’re in, and fight really hard."

The Reds will be desperate to stop the rot when they head to West Ham United on Sunday. They are down in 12th place in the Premier League going into the weekend, and now one place lower than that in the Champions League table after their humbling by PSV. The Eredivisie champions have inflicted more defeats on Slot (five) than any other club in his managerial career.

UEFA Champions League table

Spurs' defensive frailties exposed by ruthless European champions

Paris Saint-Germain 5-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur's defensive woes continued at the hands of Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

After seeing his team go down 4-1 at arch-rivals Arsenal last time out in the Premier League, Thomas Frank made five changes for the trip to the French capital, with Randal Kolo Muani – on loan from PSG and, per Champions League rules, allowed to face his parent club – among those to come in.

Having kept PSG at bay for the opening 35 minutes, Spurs took the lead through their first shot of the game, Kolo Muani, crossing for Richarlison to head home his third goal in as many appearances, having registered in the Premier League against Manchester United and Arsenal.

But Thomas Frank’s team couldn’t quite hold on until half-time, with Vitinha producing an unstoppable long-range strike to draw the hosts level just before the break.

Spurs were soon giving their supporters cause to celebrate again, though, making an ideal start to the second half as Kolo Muani got himself on the scoresheet with an emphatic finish after PSG failed to clear a corner. It was the Frenchman’s first goal for the club at the 10th time of asking.

An increasingly dramatic night quickly took a turn for the worse as far as Spurs were concerned, however. Vitinha netted his second goal of the night before strikes from Willian Pacho and Fabian Ruiz in quick succession put the game seemingly beyond the Premier League side.

Kolo Muani's second goal, a powerful low finish after dispossessing Vitinha on the edge of the box, offered Spurs a lifeline, only for skipper Cristian Romero's handball to present PSG with the opportunity to surely finish the job.

Vitinha duly completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, ultimately condemning Spurs to a third match without victory for the first time since March. The stoppage-time red card given to PSG substitute Lucas Hernandez for elbowing Xavi Simons had no bearing on the contest.

Despite the result and his side's slide to 16th place in the Champions League, Frank was full of praise for his players. "I am very pleased with the performance," he told TNT Sports.

Football writer David Coverdale previews Matchweek 5 of the Premier League clubs’ UEFA Champions League matches and what to expect from their opponents.

Chelsea v Barcelona

Tuesday 25 November, 20:00 GMT

Barcelona return to English soil this Tuesday evening, aiming to claim their second Premier League scalp of their UEFA Champions League campaign.

Marcus Rashford was the two-goal hero for Hansi Flick's side when they beat Newcastle United in September.

And Rashford is expected to feature at Chelsea after recovering from the illness which ruled the Manchester United loanee out of last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Athletic Club, Barcelona's third straight victory in La Liga.

Ballon d’Or runner-up Lamine Yamal, who missed the Newcastle trip, is also in line to play his first Champions League match in England, when he will face his Spain team-mate Marc Cucurella.

On Monday, Chelsea left-back Cucurella joked that he had been marking another teenage winger, Estevao Willian, in training to prepare for his battle with Yamal.

"I told Estevao to put shin pads on because I started the training with him," he said.

Barcelona have only won one of their previous seven visits to Stamford Bridge, and that was back in 2006.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are unbeaten on their own turf in any European group or league phase game since 2019, a run of 16 matches undefeated.

Victory for the Blues – who are set to be without Cole Palmer after he broke his toe last week – would be a major boost to their hopes of finishing in the top eight to automatically qualify for the last 16.

Enzo Maresca's men sit 12th in the Champions League table, at the halfway mark of the league phase, just behind Barcelona on goal difference.

Manchester City v Bayer Leverkusen

Tuesday 25 November, 20:00 GMT

Another match, another milestone for Pep Guardiola.

Earlier this month, the Manchester City boss took charge of his 1,000th game as a manager.

Now Guardiola is about to embark on his 100th match with Man City in the Champions League, becoming just the third boss to reach that landmark with an English club, after Sir Alex Ferguson with Man Utd and Arsene Wenger with Arsenal.

"I realise I'm getting old because every week is a milestone," Guardiola said with a smile in his pre-match press conference.

Man City come into this tie off the back of a shock Premier League defeat at Newcastle.

But they are unbeaten in the Champions League so far this season and sit fourth in the table.

Guardiola’s side have also gone 23 matches without losing a group-stage or league-phase match at Etihad Stadium, so Bayer Leverkusen will have their work cut out when they visit.

The Germans have collected just five points from their four European ties so far and are 21st in the table.

But Kasper Hjulmand's men beat Benfica last time out and have won seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, climbing up to third in the Bundesliga.

Jarell Quansah, who left Liverpool for Leverkusen in the summer, is set to start, fresh from making his England debut during the international break. He's expected to replace the suspended centre-back Edmond Tapsoba.

Marseille v Newcastle United

Tuesday 25 November, 20:00 GMT

A familiar foe awaits Newcastle at the Orange Velodrome.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored five goals and registered three assists in eight Premier League matches against the Magpies for Arsenal.

So the 36-year-old Marseille forward will be licking his lips at the arrival of Eddie Howe’s side in the south of France, particularly as he has also scored in each of his last two Ligue 1 matches.

"Aubameyang is as good as ever," said Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe. "We’ll have to defend well."

Former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is the man in charge of Marseille, who are second in Ligue 1 but down in 25th place in the Champions League table.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have won their last three European clashes without conceding and sit sixth at the halfway stage.

They have been boosted by their Premier League win over Man City and the return to fitness of Anthony Gordon, who has scored four goals in the Champions League this season.

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Wednesday 26 November, 20:00 GMT

Arsenal are yet to concede a goal in a flawless start to their Champions League campaign.

But if any player knows how to breach their defence it is Bayern Munich hotshot Harry Kane.

During his time with their rivals Spurs, Kane scored more goals against Arsenal than any other Premier League player, with a tally of 14.

The England captain also notched for Bayern in a Champions League quarter-final at Emirates Stadium in 2023/24, and he returns there in red-hot form, having netted 26 times in 19 appearances for club and country this season.

Bayern actually top the Champions League table at the halfway stage, above Arsenal on goal difference having also registered four wins from four.

Another of their danger men is ex-Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who was directly involved in five goals in last Sunday’s 6-2 thrashing of Freiburg.

The London-born France international is a former team-mate of Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze – and taught the north London derby hat-trick hero how to play chess.

Another of Bayern's wing wizards, Serge Gnabry, is expected to be fit to face his former club after missing their 6-2 comeback win over Freiburg on Saturday.

But Xabi Alonso’s side will be without the suspended former Liverpool star Luis Diaz, following his red card in their last Champions League match at Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal fans will need no reminding that they have failed to beat Bayern in their previous five meetings.

But Mikel Arteta's men have never been more confident at home in Europe, winning 15 successive matches at the Emirates in the Champions League league phase/group stage.

Liverpool v PSV Eindhoven

Wednesday 26 November, 20:00 GMT

A European fixture at Anfield may come as something of a welcome relief for Arne Slot.

The Reds were beaten 3-0 at home by Nottingham Forest at the weekend, their sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches.

But in the Champions League, Slot’s side have fared better so far this season, winning their last three matches, including a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at Anfield last time out, to climb up to eighth in the table.

At home, Liverpool have won all of their last 16 European group-stage or league-phase games.

Yet the Reds’ dismal form means they can take nothing for granted, especially given Wednesday’s opponents, PSV Eindhoven, are top of the Eredivisie and unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions.

Former Spurs winger Ivan Perisic is one of the stars in their ranks, while Netherlands international Guus Til is their biggest goal threat, having netted seven times in his last five league matches.

Of course, Slot needs no introduction to PSV. This will be the 11th time Liverpool's Dutch boss has managed against Wednesday's opponents, the most he has faced a single club.

The Reds actually lost their last meeting against PSV, a 3-2 away defeat in the final match of last season’s league phase. That result mattered little, given Liverpool had already qualified for the last 16 and topped the table. But another defeat this week would be a brutal blow for Slot and his struggling side.

Paris Saint-Germain v Tottenham Hotspur

Wednesday 26 November, 20:00 GMT

Little more than three months have passed since these teams last went toe to toe.

Paris Saint-Germain were the winners on that occasion, the Champions League holders beating the UEFA Europa League champions on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup final.

And the Ligue 1 leaders will be firm favourites again when Spurs visit the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

That said, Spurs are one of only five unbeaten teams in this season’s Champions League, registering two wins and two draws to sit 10th in the table.

Yet Thomas Frank’s side arrive in the French capital with their confidence shot after being brutally beaten by Arsenal in the north London derby.

Spurs will have to cope without Brennan Johnson, who is suspended after being sent off in the 4-0 win over Copenhagen.

But Xavi Simons is likely to line up against his former club, having been left out of Frank's starting XI at Emirates Stadium.

For PSG, 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele could return from the calf injury he picked up in the defeat to Bayern Munich three weeks ago.

Yet Desire Doue, who scored a brace in last season’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan, is definitely out after tearing his thigh last month.

Football writer Alex Keble highlights the hot topics and tactical lessons from Matchweek 12, including:

- Eze takes advantage of passive Spurs midfield

- Classic Dyche tactics show Slot needs to make major changes

- Little wiggle room in title race for Man City

- West Ham too brittle for Nuno's ultra-defensive changes

- Emery smartly corrects tactical errors

- Brighton victory helps avoid the usual slump

- Chelsea reliance on Caicedo increases despite another win

- Edwards unable to triumph as tricky run begins

- Sunderland’s brilliant start might be coming to an end

Eze takes advantage of passive Spurs midfield

Eberechi Eze’s brilliant hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur was a coming-of-age moment for the new Arsenal No 10 and, perhaps, a decisive moment in the title race after Manchester City had dropped points at Newcastle United a day earlier.

Here was evidence that Eze doesn’t just provide Arsenal with greater depth when Martin Odegaard is out.

Eze is also a notable point of difference; a slaloming, powerful attacker who can provide the knockout blow in a team that can sometimes be criticised for being too careful in their build-up play.

But on this occasion, Eze was the beneficiary of poor defending from Spurs, whose overly cautious tactics have supporters wondering if Thomas Frank’s reactive instincts align with the club’s philosophy.

In a 5-2-3 formation, Spurs sat deep in their own half from the outset, rarely applying pressure to the ball and hoping that a defensive shape would do enough.

But a two-man midfield of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha was easily bypassed, not only because Arsenal pack the middle with bodies but because the passive nature of the Spurs setup meant little direct or aggressive support given to the two midfielders.

Bentancur and Palhinha failed to close down Mikel Merino, giving him an age to turn, look, and find the pass for Leandro Trossard's opener, and then Eze weaved too easily through the same Spurs pair for the second.

It was after this second goal that Gary Neville, on the Sky Sports commentary, described the Spurs players as "mannequins".

Spurs have recorded the two lowest Expected Goals (xG) totals in a Premier League game this season, 0.07 against Arsenal and 0.1 against Chelsea; a hunched shape, passivity in midfield, and mannequin-like defending of their own third are not new traits.

Frank must quickly come to realise that, unlike at Brentford, the Spurs job requires assertive and forward-thinking football in every single match.

From Nuno Espirito Santo to Jose Mourinho to Antonio Conte, historically Spurs supporters have not taken to managers who don’t embrace the club’s motto, "to dare is to do".

Classic Dyche tactics show Slot needs to make major changes

The Nottingham Forest performance at Anfield was everything you might expect it to be, and yet it was as if Liverpool did not see it coming.

Sean Dyche had his team sit deep, compressing space around the penalty area to slow Liverpool down, and then play long balls forward to hit on the counter-attack.

It was one such counter, funnelled quickly down Liverpool’s right (their well-known weak spot) that earned the corner from which Murillo scored the opener.

Forty-four per cent of Forest’s attacks were down that side, a targeted – and simple – tactic that hit Liverpool’s vulnerabilities in all the usual ways.

Liverpool became just the fourth defending champions to start a season with six or more defeats in their first 12 games, after Blackburn Rovers in 1995/96 (six), Chelsea in 2015/16 (seven) and Leicester City in 2016/17 (six).

The Reds have also lost six of their last seven Premier League matches, as many as their previous 58 beforehand, and have lost back-to-back league games by a margin of three or more goals for the first time since April 1965 under Bill Shankly.

For Slot, this has to be the moment he realises enormous changes are needed.

That might mean dropping Ibrahima Konate, Alexander Isak, and perhaps even Mohamed Salah.

It might mean a new formation or tactical setup, be it simplifying their approach with a conservative setup or going all-in on ultra-attacking football.

Whatever it is, it needs to be radical.

Little wiggle room in title race for Man City

A resurgent Newcastle with five consecutive home wins in all competitions were always going to put up a stern resistance and, on the face of it, there is nothing disastrous about Man City losing this.

But defeat at St James' Park taught us that Man City’s early wobble in August and September has left them without any wiggle room in the title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side appeared to be ominously building momentum. One single defeat punctures that.

Man City have now lost four of their first 12 league games of a league season for the first time since 2013/14. It is also the first time a Guardiola team has ever suffered as many defeats in the opening 12 league matches of a season.

Over the past 10 Premier League seasons, the average number of defeats by the eventual champion is 3.8.

The highest was Man City’s six in 2020/21. Already being on four, then, suggests they cannot challenge for the title this year.

That might sound dramatic considering they are only seven points behind Arsenal, but a stuttering start in autumn means Guardiola's side need to overcome a decade of statistical evidence to reclaim the crown.

West Ham too brittle for Nuno's ultra-defensive changes

At half-time, two Callum Wilson goals had West Ham on the verge of their third consecutive Premier League victory - and all was right with the world.

But then Nuno made substitutions and tactical changes that invited pressure and his team collapsed in on themselves.

In the 52nd minute, Tomas Soucek came on for Wilson, a clear instruction that Nuno wanted his team to be more defensive.

West Ham dropped significantly deeper and, as the stats show, Bournemouth accepted the offer to come forward.

Bournemouth stats in first and second half

First half Bournemouth Second half 73% Possession 79% 7 Shots 21 14 Touches in opp. box 43 0 Big chances 5 0.55 xG 3.49

This kind of swing in momentum often works for Nuno, whose calculated risk to preserve a lead paid off many times at Forest.

However, on Saturday he learnt that confidence is too brittle at West Ham for a similar approach to work so early in his tenure.

While the players remain fragile, with the bottom three in view, the Hammers need to feel proactive and play with their chests puffed out – especially when they’re 2-0 up.

Emery smartly corrects tactical errors

For the first 45 minutes at Elland Road, Aston Villa were very predictable.

Both wingers tucked infield to create an ultra-narrow shape which, coupled with slow passing out from the centre-backs, meant Leeds United's physical midfield could bully them.

Villa lacked pace, width, and a direct option to bypass a bruising Leeds midfield – until Unai Emery made the necessary half-time changes to turn the game around.

Bringing on Donyell Malen and putting him alongside Ollie Watkins, Villa were now two-versus-two on the defensive line and searching for the more direct route forward to isolate the Leeds centre-backs.

It was a longer vertical pass forward from John McGinn to Matty Cash that opened Leeds up for the Villa equaliser, before a long ball from Youri Tielemans saw Ross Barkley break through and win the free-kick for Morgan Rogers' winner.

Rogers' goals v Leeds

This was by no means the first time in 2025/26 that Villa’s opponents have correctly predicted the starting tactics, nor that Emery has gone more direct to fix things.

Greater width and speed from the outset should help Villa when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers’ low block next weekend.

Brighton victory helps avoid the usual slump

Brighton & Hove Albion have made another superb start to the season. The challenge for Fabian Hurzeler is to break the club’s usual habit and keep this going.

After 12 matches of the 2024/25 Premier League season Brighton had 22 points, beating Bournemouth 2-1 on 23 November to put themselves within one point of second spot.

They then went eight Premier League matches without a win.

Hurzeler, now in his second season, will be well aware this was precisely the moment his good start fell apart a year ago.

This follows a longer trend for Brighton, who so often perform well in the first 12 matches – and then drop off.

Brighton points-per-game comparison by season

Season First 12 matches Next 26 matches 2021/22 1.42 1.31 2022/23 1.50 1.69 2023/24 1.58 1.12 2024/25 1.83 1.50

Brighton will face four of last season's top seven teams in their next six games, although this includes Forest and Liverpool, two opponents struggling significantly compared to last season.

If Hurzeler can navigate December, then perhaps – for the first time in years – Brighton can build on their fast start rather than find themselves disappointed come May.

Chelsea reliance on Caicedo increases despite another win

Prior to Pedro Neto’s 37th-minute opener, Burnley looked the more likely to score, predominantly because they were able to breeze through a wide-open Chelsea central midfield.

A lot of analysis after this match praised Andrey Santos for his defensive performance, with Moises Caicedo watching on from the bench, but a closer look at the first half shows that Chelsea did miss their star midfielder.

Santos was regularly too deep, leaving space that Burnley repeatedly exploited. The example below, in the 32nd minute, reflects this during a spell in which Burnley had enjoyed 48 per cent possession.

On another day, Burnley might have made their strong first-half performance count. Caicedo, by his absence, showed he is by far Chelsea’s most important player.

Edwards unable to triumph as tricky run begins

Rob Edwards will have known Wolves needed a fast start – a classic new-manager bounce – if they are to avoid relegation under his management, which is why Saturday’s limp 2-0 defeat was arguably the most significant result of their season so far.

There were no tangible signs of improvement.

Edwards switched to a 5-3-2 formation in order to answer the fans’ request to play their two strikers, last season’s star Jorgen Strand Larsen and new signing Tolu Arokodare, who scored 21 league goals for Genk last season.

But it didn’t work and Crystal Palace ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

Wolves’ two points from 12 matches is the third-fewest in top-flight history after 12 games, behind Man Utd in 1930/31 (zero) and Sheffield United in 2020/21 (one). Both Man Utd and Sheff Utd were relegated at the end of those seasons, both in last place.

Wolves travel to Villa Park this weekend, before hosting Forest and Man Utd and then playing Arsenal away. It could hardly be more difficult for Edwards.

Wolves' next five PL fixtures

Sunderland’s brilliant start might be coming to an end

Sunderland have gone three Premier League matches without a victory and it would appear that performances are slowing down.

Fulham had 24 shots on Saturday, their most in a Premier League game this season, while the Expected Goals (xG) of 2.1 that Sunderland conceded was their highest of the campaign.

It was inevitable that at some point Regis Le Bris’ side would go through a more difficult period, but what might worry supporters is that the downturn precedes a tough set of games. Sunderland face Bournemouth, Liverpool, Man City, Newcastle, and Brighton in their next five.

Sunderland's next five PL fixtures

Marco Silva’s side have won four of their last five Premier League home matches, an impressive run that signals Fulham can pull clear of the relegation battle.

More on Matchweek 12

Eberechi Eze scored a sensational hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Eze, who was linked with a move to Spurs before swapping Crystal Palace for the Emirates Stadium in August, got his first two goals in quick succession either side of half-time.

Leandro Trossard had earlier put Arsenal ahead following an excellent pass from makeshift centre-forward Mikel Merino, with Spurs not attempting a shot until the 55th minute.

Their first effort, from Richarlison, sailed into the net from 40 yards out to give the away fans something to cheer, but Eze had the final say, completing his first Premier League hat-trick with a confident finish 14 minutes from the end.

Watch: Eze's hat-trick v Spurs

The result leaves Arsenal six points clear of Chelsea and seven ahead of Manchester City, while Spurs are down in ninth, 11 points behind the Gunners.

How the match unfolded

Spurs needed Guglielmo Vicario to block Declan Rice's volley inside the first three minutes, while Bukayo Saka saw a curling free-kick punched clear by the Italian.

Arsenal finally broke through in the 36th minute as Merino picked out Trossard, and the Belgian took an excellent first touch before his shot struck Micky van de Ven on the way in.

Spurs could not escape their own half, and it was 2-0 five minutes later as Eze squirmed between Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur before firing home with the aid of another slight deflection off Van de Ven.

Eze had his second goal just 35 seconds into the second half, finding the far corner on his left foot, though Spurs pulled one back out of nowhere when Richarlison spotted David Raya off his line and lobbed the Spaniard from distance.

But the day belonged to Eze, who applied a powerful finish after being found by Trossard for his hat-trick and almost got a fourth late on, stinging Vicario's wrists from range.

Eze the headliner as Arsenal put on a show

Arsenal emerged from the international break arguably more bruised than they were previously, with a thigh injury to Gabriel Magalhaes viewed as a major blow to Mikel Arteta's men.

Gabriel's absence ensured there would be a baptism of fire for Bayer Leverkusen loanee Piero Hincapie, who made his first Premier League start in one of England's most fabled derby matches.

But Hincapie was hardly tested as Arsenal produced one of their most electric performances of the season, moving the ball at a relentless tempo and suffocating Spurs with their press.

Merino and Trossard again showed their value in the absence of injured striker Viktor Gyokeres as they combined for the opener, but from then on, it was all about Eze.

The England international has previously admitted to rejecting interest from Spurs to rejoin his boyhood club, who released him at the age of 13.

His first taste of the north London derby could hardly have gone any better, as he became the first player to score a treble in the fixture in the Premier League.

Arsenal went into the international break disappointed following a late draw with Sunderland, but ahead of a big week in which they face Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and Chelsea in the Premier League, their swagger is back.

No style or substance for Spurs

Spurs' start to life under Thomas Frank has been up-and-down, with the former Brentford boss facing criticism from some quarters for not adopting a more adventurous approach.

However, few supporters were likely to care about Spurs' style if it yielded a rare north London derby victory.

Kevin Danso was one of five players introduced to their starting XI as Frank used three centre-backs, and the visitors took their time over every restart from the first whistle, prompting fury from the Arsenal fans.

A wall of white shirts stood between Arsenal and Vicario's goal in the early stages, but with none of Richarlison, Wilson Odobert or Mohammed Kudus offering an outlet on the counter-attack, Spurs could not escape and ultimately saw their resistance broken.

Frank's displeasure was made clear by the half-time withdrawal of Danso, with Xavi Simons his replacement as Spurs reverted to a back four, but conceding a third goal straight after the restart left their hopes of a comeback in tatters.

Rather than begin a fightback, Richarlison's goal only served to provoke Arsenal into further action, and Eze's hat-trick will sting his former suitors.

Spurs face a daunting trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League before another London derby against Fulham next weekend, with Frank under pressure to oversee an improvement.

Club reports

Arsenal report | Spurs report

What the managers said

Mikel Arteta: "I enjoyed every minute of it. The preparation since they came back from the international break, the enthusiasm, the joy, the hunger. And then when you are able to play in the manner we played and perform in the manner we did and to win with the goals that we scored against our rivals always leaves a very special day."

Thomas Frank: "It's extremely painful to stand here after an extremely bad performance. It was the perfect storm. I think especially in the first half we lacked the ability to have pressure and get close to them and be aggressive enough in the duels. We had to absorb too much pressure throughout the first half. In the second half, we got a little bit better, but nowhere near the level we want."

Next PL fixtures

Key facts

Eze is just the fourth player to score a hat-trick in competitive meetings between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur after Ted Drake (October 1934), Terry Dyson (August 1961) and Alan Sunderland (December 1978).

Spurs have recorded the two lowest expected goals totals in a Premier League game this season, 0.07 against Arsenal and 0.1 against Chelsea at the start of November.

In 2025, only Erling Haaland (25), Mohamed Salah (23), Bryan Mbeumo (21) and Antoine Semenyo (18) have been involved in more Premier League goals than Arsenal’s Eze (18 – 10 goals, 8 assists).

Richarlison’s goal for Spurs (35.3 yards) is the furthest in the Premier League this season, and is also the furthest scored in a north London derby in the Premier League since David Bentley’s goal for Spurs in October 2008 (35.7 yards).