The Premier League rarely disappoints in December, and this weekend delivered everything from title tension and derby drama to growing relegation fears and managerial pressure.
From Nottingham Forest’s emphatic takedown of Tottenham Hotspur to Manchester City’s calm response in the title race, and a Tyne Wear Derby for the ages, it was a weekend that shifted momentum across the table and lit up timelines across the football world.
Forest Send A Warning Shot At The City Ground
Source: NFFC on X
Nottingham Forest produced one of their most complete performances of the season as they swept Tottenham Hotspur aside with a commanding 3-0 win at the City Ground.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was at the heart of everything good for Forest. The winger opened the scoring midway through the first half before unleashing a stunning long-range strike after the break that had home fans on their feet.
Late on, Hudson-Odoi turned provider, slipping a clever assist to Ibrahim Sangare to put the result beyond doubt.
The win lifts Forest five points clear of the relegation zone and continues a remarkable turnaround under Sean Dyche. Spurs, meanwhile, left Nottinghamshire with serious questions hanging over them. Under-fire manager Thomas Frank insisted he needs time, telling reporters that fixing Tottenham’s problems is not a quick solution. That stance did little to calm an increasingly restless fan base online.
City Stay Clinical To Keep Arsenal Honest
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Manchester City knew the pressure was on after Arsenal edged past Wolves, and Pep Guardiola’s side responded in trademark fashion with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Palace were lively and created chances, even striking the post, but City’s composure made the difference. Erling Haaland broke the deadlock just before half-time with a well-placed header, before Phil Foden doubled the lead midway through the second half.
Haaland added a late penalty to seal the win and move City back to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the table.
Guardiola praised his side’s patience and singled out Haaland’s all-round contribution, while Palace boss Oliver Glasner was left frustrated by missed chances.
Arsenal Ride Their Luck At The Top
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Arsenal remain top of the Premier League, but it was far from straightforward against rock-bottom Wolves.
The Gunners needed two own goals to secure a nervy 2-1 victory at the Emirates. An unfortunate deflection off Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone opened the scoring, before Tolu Arokodare equalised late on.
Just when it looked like points would be dropped, Yerson Mosquera turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time.
Villa Show Steel As Title Dream Grows
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Aston Villa’s unlikely title charge gathered more momentum with a dramatic 3-2 win away at West Ham.
Villa fell behind twice but showed resilience and quality to fight back, with Morgan Rogers stealing the headlines thanks to a stunning long-range winner. The result leaves Unai Emery’s side just three points behind Arsenal and firmly in the conversation.
West Ham’s struggles continue, with the London club stuck in the relegation zone and confidence draining fast.
Tyne-Wear Derby Returns With Chaos
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The Premier League welcomed back one of English football’s fiercest rivalries as Sunderland edged Newcastle 1-0 in a fiery Wear-Tyne derby.
The decisive moment came early in the second half when Nick Woltemade accidentally headed the ball into his own net, sending the Stadium of Light into raptures.
Sunderland remained unbeaten at home and climbed to seventh, while Newcastle slipped to 12th. Tempers flared late on, injuries disrupted the flow, and yellow cards flew as the derby lived up to its reputation.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka summed it up best, saying derbies are about winning, no matter how it happens. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe called it a freak goal but admitted his side lacked quality.
Chelsea Return To Winning Ways
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Chelsea eased some pressure with a 2-0 home win over Everton, snapping a four-game winless run.
Cole Palmer marked his return from injury with a composed finish in the first half, before Malo Gusto doubled the lead in stoppage time. Everton dominated possession but failed to convert their chances, a familiar frustration for their supporters.
The result lifts Chelsea back into the top four and gives fans hope that momentum may finally be building.
Salah Returns As Liverpool Breathe Again
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Mohamed Salah’s return to action was met with a thunderous reception at Anfield as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0.
After a turbulent week filled with speculation about his future, Salah came off the bench and set up Hugo Ekitike’s second goal, helping ease the pressure on manager Arne Slot.
With Salah soon heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool supporters soaked in the moment, aware that his absence could shape the next phase of their season.
Fulham End Turf Moor Curse
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Fulham finally ended a 35-match wait for a win at Turf Moor with a gritty 3-2 victory over Burnley.
Harry Wilson inspired the visitors, who capitalised on defensive errors and showed composure under late pressure. Burnley’s seventh straight defeat leaves them deep in trouble, with pressure mounting on Scott Parker.
Marco Silva described the result as historic, noting how this Fulham squad continues to break unwanted club records.
What This Weekend Told Us
This round of fixtures reinforced why the Premier League remains so compelling. The title race is tightening, unexpected contenders are refusing to fade, and traditional giants are being dragged into uncomfortable territory.
With festive fixtures piling up, the table feels anything but settled. If this weekend proved anything, it is that December in the Premier League waits for no one.
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Featured Image Source: Sunderland FC on X
