Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ English Premier League Season: 2025/2026

[igebotz]

Arsenal beat Brentford but Leeds United beat Chelsea therefore the top of the table has changed again. Liverpool were struggling to win against Sunderland at home, they managed a draw after going a goal down. They are in trouble. Fulham nearly beat Manchester City. Somehow Manchester City won that game therefore are five points behind Arsenal.

Looking at the current table and our recent performance do you still think we have a chance? Losing is part of the game but you can't lose more than 4 games and still compete. Never

The annoying part is; our losses have come against weaker opponents we should be winning comfortably - play well against tougher teams and spread legs against shitty teams.

[JollyGood]

That is the part of the equation I cannot understand. Some of the performances have not been good and remember Chelsea did the same last season, they lost many games against teams they should not have had problems with. Most of that happened in the latter part when they dropped out of the title race but this season they are already having problems against teams that they are capable of beating.

It is far too early to write-off Chelsea (or Manchester City for that matter even though I think they will not win it) therefore they are definitely in the title race. At some stage Arsenal will lose and draw games, if the chasing pack take advantage it will make it more interesting.

Looking at the current table and our recent performance do you still think we have a chance? Losing is part of the game but you can't lose more than 4 games and still compete. Never

The annoying part is; our losses have come against weaker opponents we should be winning comfortably - play well against tougher teams and spread legs against shitty teams.

[JollyGood]

These are the results of the game that were played today Saturday 6th December:

Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea
Everton Everton 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland
Newcastle United 2-1 Burnley
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Brentford
Leeds United 3-3 Liverpool

Liverpool took a two goal lead yet ended the game with a draw. Salah gave an interview to the media effectively announcing his possible departure from Liverpool (probably in the January transfer window) transfer.

Other than that, Arsenal lost, Chelsea drew and Manchester City won. Aston Villa are in third place just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point behind Manchester City.

[igebotz]

That is the part of the equation I cannot understand. Some of the performances have not been good and remember Chelsea did the same last season, they lost many games against teams they should not have had problems with. Most of that happened in the latter part when they dropped out of the title race but this season they are already having problems against teams that they are capable of beating.

It is far too early to write-off Chelsea (or Manchester City for that matter even though I think they will not win it) therefore they are definitely in the title race. At some stage Arsenal will lose and draw games, if the chasing pack take advantage it will make it more interesting.

Yes, Arsenal will drop points at some point, but we will lose more, and they already have a point lead.  If Enzo Mascara had kept 80% of the lineup that started against Barcelona and Arsenal, we would not have dropped 5 points in the last two games.

How often have we seen Arteta or Pep rotate more than 10% of their lineups in league games?  You can't develop stability through massive rotation every weekend. That's our major problem.

[examplens]

That is the part of the equation I cannot understand. Some of the performances have not been good and remember Chelsea did the same last season, they lost many games against teams they should not have had problems with. Most of that happened in the latter part when they dropped out of the title race but this season they are already having problems against teams that they are capable of beating.

It is far too early to write-off Chelsea (or Manchester City for that matter even though I think they will not win it) therefore they are definitely in the title race. At some stage Arsenal will lose and draw games, if the chasing pack take advantage it will make it more interesting.

Yes, Arsenal will drop points at some point, but we will lose more, and they already have a point lead.  If Enzo Mascara had kept 80% of the lineup that started against Barcelona and Arsenal, we would not have dropped 5 points in the last two games.

How often have we seen Arteta or Pep rotate more than 10% of their lineups in league games?  You can't develop stability through massive rotation every weekend. That's our major problem.

The title is won by winning "small" games even when the team is not in ideal shape. It is much easier for a manager to motivate a team against a big name than against a team where you are the favourite and victory is mandatory. That is the manager's job and if Arsenal fails, it will be Arteta's fault alone. Such things happen much less often to Pep or Klopp earlier, because they have enough experience to maintain the team.
Probably the best example ever is Sir Alex Ferguson, who very rarely lost to teams outside the top 4, that's why he won titles, even with very average players.

[JollyGood]

How often have we seen Arteta or Pep rotate more than 10% of their lineups in league games?  You can't develop stability through massive rotation every weekend. That's our major problem.

Maresca has to rotate the squad according to the players he has available. All managers have the same problem, they have to adapt when they are faced with injury problems. On occasion, maybe a mass rotation is required to freshen the team (and maybe the manager will take that action depending on the opposition). We should assess Maresca at the season alongside Guardiola and Arteta. Maybe he is exploring tactics?

The title is won by winning "small" games even when the team is not in ideal shape. It is much easier for a manager to motivate a team against a big name than against a team where you are the favourite and victory is mandatory. That is the manager's job and if Arsenal fails, it will be Arteta's fault alone. Such things happen much less often to Pep or Klopp earlier, because they have enough experience to maintain the team.
Probably the best example ever is Sir Alex Ferguson, who very rarely lost to teams outside the top 4, that's why he won titles, even with very average players.

Arteta and Maresca have not won the Premier League whereas Guardiola has won the Premier League six times. They will have to find their way as they search for their first title. For last few season when Arsenal were challenging for the title, they seemed to have run out of steam towards the latter part of the season and Arteta was (rightly) blamed.

Chelsea were doing well under Maresca last season until they started to drop too many points. It seems as though Chelsea have already started doing the same thing therefore they could be out of the race if they do not start winning games again.

[igebotz]

The title is won by winning "small" games even when the team is not in ideal shape. It is much easier for a manager to motivate a team against a big name than against a team where you are the favourite and victory is mandatory. That is the manager's job and if Arsenal fails, it will be Arteta's fault alone. Such things happen much less often to Pep or Klopp earlier, because they have enough experience to maintain the team.
Probably the best example ever is Sir Alex Ferguson, who very rarely lost to teams outside the top 4, that's why he won titles, even with very average players.

You made a great point except for the last sentence - I need to remind you that he Had Hobb Webb and the entire FA under his Web. He was Late Queen Elizabeth favourite manager and every ref wanted to see the Queen happy. He was a great manager no doubts but.....

Maresca has to rotate the squad according to the players he has available. All managers have the same problem, they have to adapt when they are faced with injury problems. On occasion, maybe a mass rotation is required to freshen the team (and maybe the manger will take that action depending on the opposition). We should assess Maresca at the season alongside Guardiola and Arteta. Maybe he is exploring tactics?

Agreed but in our case we didn't have any injuries crisis - Caicedo was the only unavailable player from Barcelona and Arsenal fixtures, he had the entire team and decided to be funny.

Exploring tactics since last season?

[JollyGood]

Those tactics won him and Chelsea the FIFA Club World Cup 

On a serious note, maybe he feels he should give a chance to the players that have not been playing regularly. Having said that, he is not making wholesale changes to the team anyway therefore it should really have unsettled the balance. Right now, if they manage to have three wins from the next three games they will be considered as potential Premier League winners.

Agreed but in our case we didn't have any injuries crisis - Caicedo was the only unavailable player from Barcelona and Arsenal fixtures, he had the entire team and decided to be funny.

Exploring tactics since last season?

[JollyGood]

The are the results of the other Premier League games played over the weekend:

Sunday 7th December
Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 West Ham United
Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Monday 8th December
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-4 Manchester United

Congratulations to Crystal Palace, they are in 4th place after their win at Fulham. Manchester United are back in contention for a Champions League place after a massive away win at Wolves.

The next set of games will take place on Saturday 13th December. I will add the fixture list later.

[tokeweed]

For the upcoming games this weekend, what does everybody itt, the few of us lol, think of Sunderland vs Newcastle?  Sunderland has 4 wins and 3 draws from their 7 games at home, which is where the match will take place.  I think the draw no bet at 2.32 is looking good here. 

Newcastle's away record on the other hand doesn't look good.  It has just 1 win, 3 draws and 3 losses out of 7 games.  And that single win is against Everton.

What do you guys think?

[igebotz]

Those tactics won him and Chelsea the FIFA Club World Cup 

On a serious note, maybe he feels he should give a chance to the players that have not been playing regularly. Having said that, he is not making wholesale changes to the team anyway therefore it should really have unsettled the balance. Right now, if they manage to have three wins from the next three games they will be considered as potential Premier League winners.

The tactics and lineup that have made us winless in the last three games are not the same as those that won us the World Cup. 

Rotation is OK. But why keep doing the same thing and expecting different outcomes when it's clear it's not working?  Leicester City fans were correct: he made everything about himself.

For the upcoming games this weekend, what does everybody itt, the few of us lol, think of Sunderland vs Newcastle?  Sunderland has 4 wins and 3 draws from their 7 games at home, which is where the match will take place.  I think the draw no bet at 2.32 is looking good here. 

Newcastle's away record on the other hand doesn't look good.  It has just 1 win, 3 draws and 3 losses out of 7 games.  And that single win is against Everton.

What do you guys think?

Nice bet - very possible against tired legs Newcastle United ( CL football)

[JollyGood]

For the upcoming games this weekend, what does everybody itt, the few of us lol, think of Sunderland vs Newcastle?  Sunderland has 4 wins and 3 draws from their 7 games at home, which is where the match will take place.  I think the draw no bet at 2.32 is looking good here.  

Newcastle's away record on the other hand doesn't look good.  It has just 1 win, 3 draws and 3 losses out of 7 games.  And that single win is against Everton.

What do you guys think?

This is a local derby that will have significant meaning for the local population. Whenever Newcastle United, Sunderland Middlesbrough play against each other, it brings excitement to the local area. Two of those clubs are in the Premier League and maybe next season Middlesbrough will join them via promotion from the Championship.

I think Sunderland have over-performed in their first season back in the Premier League whereas Newcastle United were have under-performed because they were expected to perform much better. This game will probably end in a draw.

The tactics and lineup that have made us winless in the last three games are not the same as those that won us the World Cup.  

Rotation is OK. But why keep doing the same thing and expecting different outcomes when it's clear it's not working?  Leicester City fans were correct: he made everything about himself.

Clearly Maresca has made mistakes but give him a chance at least until the end of the season. After he gets a full understanding of how his players adapt to his tactics he will be able to make more informed decisions. Patience is important when supporting any team. You will probably change your opinion of him if Chelsea string together a three match win (starting this weekend)  

[igebotz]

Clearly Maresca has made mistakes but give him a chance at least until the end of the season. After he gets a full understanding of how his players adapt to his tactics he will be able to make more informed decisions. Patience is important when supporting any team. You will probably change your opinion of him if Chelsea string together a three match win (starting this weekend) 

I know he doesn't have enough talent in some spots, like Pep and Arteta, but if he's making big rotations to rest players, Enzo and Cucurella shouldn't be playing every game - along with playing James and Gusto in more forward roles, which kills creativity upfront. I still trust in him; he is not a bad manager, but he is constantly shooting himself in the foot.

When we return to winning ways and I start seeing green on my betslips, I'll live as if these moments never happened.

[JollyGood]

I can understand your frustration. He should have rested Enzo and Cucurella because they had some big games coming up. I remember him dropping Caicedo but that was once (maybe he did it more but I cannot recall it). At the start of the season I thought Chelsea were a complete squad that could win the Premier League. Though they might not have the best squad, they certainly can win the Premier League because Arsenal will inevitably drop points and if Chelsea can win those important games it could be their season.

Here is the latest Premier League table before the next set of games:

I know he doesn't have enough talent in some spots, like Pep and Arteta, but if he's making big rotations to rest players, Enzo and Cucurella shouldn't be playing every game - along with playing James and Gusto in more forward roles, which kills creativity upfront. I still trust in him; he is not a bad manager, but he is constantly shooting himself in the foot.

When we return to winning ways and I start seeing green on my betslips, I'll live as if these moments never happened.

[tokeweed]

For the upcoming games this weekend, what does everybody itt, the few of us lol, think of Sunderland vs Newcastle?  Sunderland has 4 wins and 3 draws from their 7 games at home, which is where the match will take place.  I think the draw no bet at 2.32 is looking good here.  

Newcastle's away record on the other hand doesn't look good.  It has just 1 win, 3 draws and 3 losses out of 7 games.  And that single win is against Everton.

What do you guys think?

Nice bet - very possible against tired legs Newcastle United ( CL football)

I don't even know how the teams are doing on a player to player level kind of thing as I haven't been following the EPL too closely.  I'm just looking at each team's home and away form and noticed that Sunderland hasn't lost a match at home yet.  Lol.

And Newcastle haven't been looking very good away and this season overall.  How many years has Eddie Howe been with the club?  It's around three years, right?  I didn't expect him to have a bad year this early.

Edit:  You guys check this out.  You might like it.    It's about a project for a live player trading game for football.  This thing could be huge during the World Cup.

https://x.com/sjdedic/status/1998687931884523985

[igebotz]

I can understand your frustration. He should have rested Enzo and Cucurella because they had some big games coming up. I remember him dropping Caicedo but that was once (maybe he did it more but I cannot recall it). At the start of the season I thought Chelsea were a complete squad that could win the Premier League. Though they might not have the best squad, they certainly can win the Premier League because Arsenal will inevitably drop points and if Chelsea can win those important games it could be their season.

Yes Enzo should be resting, he's been struggling in recent games - we have too many backups in his position.

We have the squad, and some young players who, if well- improved, should be able to compete for the title, but Enzo Mascara's style makes things incredibly tough.  We need someone to come in and do what Slot did with Klopp's team.

[JollyGood]

I don't even know how the teams are doing on a player to player level kind of thing as I haven't been following the EPL too closely.  I'm just looking at each team's home and away form and noticed that Sunderland hasn't lost a match at home yet.  Lol.

Keeping what you said in mind, I still do not believe it is going to lead to a Sunderland win. It is a derby, anything can happen. Newcastle United will go in to the game with a belief they can win. Sunderland will be playing at home therefore their confidence will be high. I am putting this down as a Newcastle United win or a draw.

Yes Enzo should be resting, he's been struggling in recent games - we have too many backups in his position.

We have the squad, and some young players who, if well- improved, should be able to compete for the title, but Enzo Mascara's style makes things incredibly tough.  We need someone to come in and do what Slot did with Klopp's team.

Slot took Liverpool to the title in his first season because Salah was playing brilliant football. After Salah lost form, Slot was exposed as a manager that needs to make changes if he wants to remain relevant.

Chelsea are not that far away from having a good run of game. Palmer has returned, there is a feeling around the club they are going to be successful this season (if not then next season).

[tokeweed]

I don't even know how the teams are doing on a player to player level kind of thing as I haven't been following the EPL too closely.  I'm just looking at each team's home and away form and noticed that Sunderland hasn't lost a match at home yet.  Lol.

Keeping what you said in mind, I still do not believe it is going to lead to a Sunderland win. It is a derby, anything can happen. Newcastle United will go in to the game with a belief they can win. Sunderland will be playing at home therefore their confidence will be high. I am putting this down as a Newcastle United win or a draw.

Not saying you're wrong or anything, but I made the bet based on the value of the line and with how their form currently is rn, it could be a +EV bet.  That's all I'm betting for.  Not necessarily thinking that Sunderland will win.  That's way I went for draw no bet...  For insurance. 

As for your lean, if Newcastle wins I lose.  If Sunderland wins, I win,  If it's a draw, I still win.  And at 2.32 I think it's decent value.

[igebotz]

Chelsea are not that far away from having a good run of game. Palmer has returned, there is a feeling around the club they are going to be successful this season (if not then next season).

Yeah he came back today with a bang bang and for the first time in a long time we killed off the game at HT. He made the attack better and made everyone around a better player- this is exactly why his injury affected our performance..

Sanchez is currently leading in the golden glove stats this season- sounds strange but it's the truth 

[JollyGood]

Not saying you're wrong or anything, but I made the bet based on the value of the line and with how their form currently is rn, it could be a +EV bet.  That's all I'm betting for.  Not necessarily thinking that Sunderland will win.  That's way I went for draw no bet...  For insurance. 

As for your lean, if Newcastle wins I lose.  If Sunderland wins, I win,  If it's a draw, I still win.  And at 2.32 I think it's decent value.

It is a derby, anything can happen. For all we know, it could be a 3-0 or 5-4 game 

Yeah he came back today with a bang bang and for the first time in a long time we killed off the game at HT. He made the attack better and made everyone around a better player- this is exactly why his injury affected our performance..

Sanchez is currently leading in the golden glove stats this season- sounds strange but it's the truth 

Maresca made some bizarre comments in the press conference after the game about the previous 48 hours being the worst since his appointment as manager. When the media asked him to elaborate, he refused to be specific but it seems as though he was referring to the owners. I hope he is more careful in future because making unnecessary comments (such as those made today) could result in him getting sacked.