Top takeaway: A historic Christmas for Man United
- Soccer News 2024/12/23 03:41
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Manchester United made history on Sunday -- just not for the right reasons. Their 3-0 loss at home to AFC Bournemouth condemned them to spending Christmas in the bottom half of the Premier League. It's the first time since 1989 that this has happened -- before the inception of the Premier League.
It was a terrible afternoon filled with all-too-familiar issues: They conceded from a set piece again, their ninth of the season (only Wolves, with 14 have conceded more from these situations). They missed four big chances and slipped into negative goal difference for the campaign (-1).
The Ruben Amorim revolution has had the odd positive early moment, but four losses from six -- and more alarmingly, 14 goals conceded in six -- confirms there's copious work to be done to turn things around.
It's absolutely crucial that work begins with defensive set pieces. When Dean Huijsen rose to head home the Cherries' opener, a knowing groan swept around Old Trafford in response. It seems unlikely that United can make great strides forward under their new manager while presenting such an Achilles heel to opponents.
Best match: Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool
When is the best match not at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium? A nine-goal thriller went end to end without pause, as Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz & Co. ran riot. They took advantage of a makeshift defense and a terribly bold Spurs strategy to score repeatedly -- then had to fend off a late flurry to secure the points.
Best goal: Morgan Rogers vs. Man City
Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross for Díaz's opener against Spurs was sensational, but as far as sweeping team moves go, nothing beats Rogers' incredible effort against Man City. He started things off deep in his own half, beating three men before laying it off, getting it back and finishing sharply off his weaker left foot.
MVP of the weekend: Alexander Isak, Newcastle United
Isak's first-ever Premier League hat trick led Newcastle to a crushing victory over Ipswich Town that deserves no shortage of praise. He did well to keep his first effort down and bounce it into the net. Then, his next two displayed his composure in the box. It capped a perfect week for the Magpies.
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