Premier League New Year Clash: Only Arsenal Among Big 6 Wins, Other Five Draw; Wolves Gain Points

This year’s Premier League New Year fixtures were quite unusual. Why? In the 19th round, only the leader Arsenal among the big six teams secured a victory, while the other five all dropped points. Additionally, the Premier League’s second-to-last Wolves also earned points this round, their third of the season.

Premier League Round 19 Big Six Results:

• Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth: The Blues have won only once in their last seven matches, dropping from title contenders to fighting for a Europa League spot. Maresca has been dismissed...
• Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa: In the top three Premier League clashes, Arsenal successfully avenged their first-leg 1-2 away defeat and ended Aston Villa’s 11-match winning streak across all competitions. Gabriel scored on his return, set-piece effectiveness is back, making Arsenal’s title challenge stronger than ever.
• Manchester United 1-1 Wolves: The Red Devils dropped points at Old Trafford against the second-to-last team. Arguably, Amolin deserves to be sacked more than Maresca. Wolves ended a 12-match losing streak in all competitions, and United’s home performance was a gift for Wolves to enjoy their New Year.
• Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United: Against a relegation-threatened team, Klopp’s possession style was fake possession—mostly sideways passing with no tactical support or creativity. Klopp arguably should be sacked more than Maresca. Wirtz’s Premier League debut showed poor chance conversion because defenders here don’t give much time to adjust. This high-profile signing is unlikely to meet expectations.
• Sunderland 0-0 Manchester City: The newly promoted Black Cats proved tough, with Xhaka omnipresent, showing world-class holding midfield quality. City created chances, but aside from Haaland, they lack a second scoring option. With Doku injured, Guardiola gave Savinho a chance, but he’s ineffective and slow to adapt. Once Semenyo arrives, Savinho will likely be sold... With Arsenal now 4 points ahead, can City still overturn the Christmas lead this season? It’s tough!
• Brentford 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Flick relies only on defense and counterattacks. Tottenham lowered their stance and fought hard for a point away. Flick’s coaching style suits mid-to-lower table teams, not top Premier League clubs. Tottenham has now become the weakest of the big six.