Liverpool are the Christmas Premier League leaders after they beat Wolves 0-2 and reigning champions Man City’s suffered their shock first league home defeat of the season, 2-3 against relegation contenders Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. Liverpool are four points clear of City at the top now and their title winners’ odds shortened further when one of their other main contenders Chelsea, also suffered a shock home defeat 0-1 against Leicester City on Saturday. Arsenal are level on points with their London rivals fourth placed Chelsea after thy comfortably beat Burnley 3-1 at the Emirates and Spurs moved up to third and closed the gap on City to just two points, after they thrashed Everton 2-6 on Sunday, which makes them serious title contenders as well.

Manchester United’s players responded well to sacked manager Mourinho’s departure, thrashing fourth from bottom Cardiff 1-5 at the Cardiff City stadium, which is the first time they scored five goals since Sir Alex Ferguson was manager. However, they are still out of the title race and will have to go some way to close the gap as there nearly twenty points behind Liverpool. Southampton’s mini resurgence since manager Hughes was sacked and replaced by German Hasenhutll continued as they were too good for fellow relegation contenders Huddersfield winning 1-3 and there were good wins for Bournemouth and Watford who both won, the Cherries beating South Coast neighbours Brighton 2-0 and Watford took their chances well beating West Ham 0-2 at the London Stadium.

The domestic festive football action returns on Boxing Day with a full set of Premier League and EFL Championship and EFL League One and Two fixtures and I’ll provide a preview for this on Wednesday morning.

Wishing everyone a Merry and profitable Festive and New Year period.

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