2021 is nearly over, but the Premier League has a few more games to go before ringing in a New Year. Things have started to get really interesting in the title race following the latest results, so without further ado, here's all you need to know following the latest installment of Premier League action.
Top five teams in Premier League up to December 24
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Who are top three goalscorers in Premier League?
Here's how the race looks for the coveted Golden Shoe
1. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool - 15 goals
2. Diogo Jota, Liverpool - 10 goals
3. Jamie Vardy, Leicester City - 9 goals
Top Premier League headlines, stats, and other facts
Here are some very interesting stats as we prepare for another round of Premier League games:
8 - Norwich have netted just eight Premier League goals this season, the joint-fewest any side has scored between the start of the season and Christmas Day in top-flight history (also Leicester in 1978-79, Derby in 2007-08, Burnley in 2020-21 and Sheffield Utd in 2020-21). Bleak.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2021
Indeed, it really doesn't bode well for Norwich...
20 - The team bottom of the Premier League on Christmas Day has gone on to be relegated in the last six seasons, with Leicester City in 2014-15 the last side to stay up from that position. Humbug.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2021
Wolves showing that sometimes it's not quantity, but quality that counts...
8 - Wolves have scored just 13 goals in the Premier League this season yet sit 8th in the table, the highest position any side has been on Christmas Day in top-flight history having netted as few as 13 goals at that stage. Economical.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2021
Not bad, Mohamed Salah, not bad...and no wonder he was touted as a deserved 2021 Ballon d'Or recipient alongside players like Robert Lewandowski, N'Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema...
24 - Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 24 Premier League goals this season (15 goals, 9 assists) with only Alan Shearer in 1994-95 (16 goals, 9 assists) having a hand in more of his team's goals before Christmas Day in a Premier League season. Phenomenon. pic.twitter.com/oMsHsLqQCH
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2021
Top Premier League matches: December 26 - December 30, 2021
It's set to be a very busy period as we head into the final few days of 2021! Here are all the matches you won't want to miss out over the next five days:
December 26th
Liverpool vs Leeds United: Liverpool's winning run came to an end as the Reds were held to a two-all draw with Spurs last time out, but the Reds won't have a chance to get back on track as their game against Leeds United has now been postponed due to COVID-19.
Manchester City vs Leicester City: Currently on top of the table by three points, league leaders Manchester City will hope to take advantage of the fact that Liverpool's game has been postponed to possibly go six points clear when they take on Leicester City.
Norwich City vs Arsenal: Arsenal have had their fair share of drama this season, with the latest being the future of star man Pierre-Emerick Aubamyenang and whether he'll be an Arsenal player in 2022. Despite that, the Gunners have managed to rise to fourth and will be hoping to continue inching closer towards the top three when they travel to face relegation-threatened Norwich on Boxing Day.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: Tottenham have now finally found their groove, but suffered heartbreak recently as their foray into the inaugural Europa Conference League has come to an abrupt end. After having an issue with COVID-19 in their ranks, UEFA controversially awarded Rennes a 3-0 default win, meaning that Antonio Conte's side will have to contend with domestic football in 2022. After drawing Liverpool, next up will be a London derby against Crystal Palace, and certainly Spurs will be doing their best to try to close the gap on the top four with a win.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Simply put, Chelsea will be desperate to get back to winning ways. The Blues now sit in third, and have fallen six points behind league leaders Manchester City after winning just one of their last four. Will Thomas Tuchel's side be able to get it together when they face Aston Villa on Sunday?
December 27th
Newcastle United vs Manchester United: Three wins on the spin have Manchester United now back in the hunt for a European football spot, but the Red Devils are clearly looking for more than just Europa Conference or Europa League football next season. However, they still have quite a bit of work to do, as they are presently five points behind Arsenal. That being said, like the Gunners, the Red Devils will be facing a relegation-threatened side; in their case, it's an away match against 19th placed Newcastle United, so this could present a great chance to pick up some much needed points.
December 28th
- Arsenal vs Wolves
- Southampton vs Tottenham
- Leicester City vs Liverpool
December 29th
- Chelsea vs Brighton
- Brentford vs Manchester City
December 30th
- Manchester United vs Burnley
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.
