Premier League Christmas Month Points Battle: All Three Big Six Teams Secure Wins, Liverpool and Arsenal Show Vulnerabilities

The Premier League has entered the intense Christmas fixture period, a crucial phase each season for earning points and distinguishing team tiers. On Saturday night, all three of the big six clubs won their matches in Round 16, actively fighting for points but also revealing their weaknesses, highlighting just how tough the Premier League is to compete in. Even battles at the bottom of the table remain unpredictable.

• Chelsea 2-0 Everton:Gusto contributed both a goal and an assist, while Palmer scored on his return, helping the Blues end a three-match winless streak. However, Chelsea’s starting left winger was disappointing—ineffective and selfish, shooting recklessly without passing. The three Brazilian players displayed careless passing, causing frequent turnovers. Chelsea’s biggest issue is discipline and poor tactical execution, making them unfit to challenge for the title—at best, they can aim for a top-five (Champions League) spot.
• Liverpool 2-0 Brighton: Ekpitike scored twice with a quick strike and a header-foot finish but also missed many chances. Salah came off the bench and played a team-oriented game, assisting from a corner, though his late shots and passes were off. This match again exposed Liverpool’s defensive problems; Van Dijk never presses or covers, always retreating without being beaten, forcing the midfield to cover frequently. Multiple times, the area in front of Liverpool’s box was left unguarded and exploited. Offensively, Liverpool’s attack centered around Wirtz’s tactics is improving, but poor coordination between the defensive midfield and center backs leaves them vulnerable. Fortunately, Brighton wasted numerous chances, allowing Liverpool to secure a rare clean sheet.
• Arsenal 2-1 Wolves: In a relegation battle, league leaders Arsenal failed to score while bottom side Wolves netted three, including two own goals, but still lost in a last-minute finish. This match once again proves there are no easy games in the Premier League. Even the top team faces challenges against struggling sides. Arsenal’s striker position (Yokores) showed a lack of goal-scoring ability, and although Martinelli can score spectacular goals, his consistency remains an issue. Arsenal almost slipped up against Wolves, who have only two points from 15 matches. With Manchester City’s strong title experience behind them, Arsenal needs to improve their consistency to maintain their title challenge.