There were plenty of goals scored all around in last weekend's batch of matches, with only Burnley vs. West Ham finishing as a scoreless draw. The league standings, however, didn't change, with Man City still on top after Chelsea's capitulation to West Ham in the prior round, but it's still a close three way battle featuring the reigning Premier League champs, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Here's all you need to know following this weekend's Premier League action.
Top five teams in the Premier League up to December 13
Who are top three goalscorers in the Premier League?
Here's how the race looks for the coveted Golden Boot
Top Premier League headlines, stats, and other facts
Rangnick's impressive milestone: The German tactician only just arrived at Manchester United, so it's too early to tell whether he'll be able to fully revive their fortunes. However, the Red Devils secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Norwich last time out, which marks their second consecutive clean sheet under his tenure. In doing so, he becomes the first manager in over a century to oversee two clean sheets in his first two league games in charge.
The last man to do this? It's probably a name most people aren't familiar with, as this took place back in 1903! Ernest Mangnall, in his first two games in charge, also achieved this same feat.
Ronaldo also makes history: The 36-year-old was on target to give his side all three points against Norwich. In converting from 12 yards out, the Portuguese superstar becomes the third Manchester United player to score for three different managers in the same season (Solskjaer, Carrick, and Rangnick) after Joe Spence and James Hanson did so during the 1926/27 term, also for three different managers.
Penalties galore: Over the course of the prior matchday, six penalties were scored. That's the most since February 5, 2011, when there were seven scored around the league.
Salah inches closer to record: Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah also converted from the spot to give Liverpool all three points in a tough match against Aston Villa. In doing so, the Egyptian ace now has scored or assisted a goal in his last 14 consecutive games. If he can do this once again when Liverpool face Newcastle, he'll match a record set by Jamie Vardy, who either scored or assisted a goal in 15 consecutive matches between August and December 2015.
Midweek action - matches you won't want to miss from December 14 - December 16, 2021
It's a midweek round, meaning that Premier League fans are truly spoiled for choice. Here are some of the games you won't want to miss out on:
Brentford vs Manchester United: The Red Devils have won three in a row so far, with clean sheets in their last two since Rangnick arrived. It'll be very interesting to see if they can make it a fourth straight win as they aim to make up some of their lost ground and potentially move up into fourth spot, depending on how things pan out for West Ham.
Manchester City vs Leeds United: The league leaders will look to further extend their advantage when they host Leeds United, especially with Liverpool and Chelsea hot on their tails.
Arsenal vs West Ham: West Ham have suffered a bit of a wobble lately, but have still had a very strong season. With Manchester United lurking close behind, the Hammers will look to pick up a crucial win at the expense of an Arsenal side who have yet to achieve any sort of consistency this season.
Leicester vs Tottenham: Spurs will come into this game a bit off the pace as their game was cancelled last time out as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak in their camp. Will that throw a spanner in the works as they take on Leicester?
Liverpool vs Newcastle United: Two teams with contrasting fortunes will meet in this round. Interestingly, both are second from opposite ends of the table, with Liverpool one point from first placed Manchester City while Newcastle are sat in 19th spot, only propped up from the bottom by their slightly superior goal difference.
Chelsea vs Everton: Currently in third spot, Chelsea will need to pick up three points in order to keep on the tails of Liverpool and Manchester City, who are the big favorites in their respective clashes with Liverpool and Leeds United.
Top Premier League matches: December 17 - December 20, 2021
After this midweek round, there's no rest as another round of fixtures will be upon us. Here are some of the ties you'll want to tune in to this weekend:
- Manchester United vs Brighton
- Leeds United vs Arsenal
- Wolves vs Chelsea
- Newcastle vs Manchester City
- Tottenham vs Liverpool
Make sure you don't miss out on these key games and stay on top of all the action by checking out our bespoke Premier League match page.
