The past week in football was packed with surprises, standout performances crucial results across leagues. From Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League to Napoli seizing the Serie A lead and thrilling action in the ASEAN Championship and Arabian Gulf Cup, fans had plenty to cheer for and debate.
Premier League: Liverpool Extend Lead, City Bounce Back
Sunday, December 29
- West Ham 0–5 Liverpool: The Reds crushed West Ham in a statement win, with goals from Salah, Diaz, Trent, Jota and Gakpo extending their lead at the top to six points.
- Manchester City 2–0 Leicester: Pep Guardiola’s side finally found their rhythm, securing a vital win through goals from Savinho and Haaland.
Serie A
- Napoli 1–0 Venezia: Raspadori’s goal secured a vital win for Napoli, taking them to the top of Serie A.
- Juventus 2–2 Fiorentina: Juventus extended their unbeaten run, but Fiorentina’s resilience denied them a win.
ASEAN Championship
- Vietnam 3–1 Singapore: Vietnam booked their spot in the final with a clinical performance.
- Thailand 3–1 Philippines: Thailand joined Vietnam in the final after a dominant display.
Monday, December 30
Premier League
- Ipswich 2–0 Chelsea: Newly promoted Ipswich stunned Chelsea with an impressive win, deepening the Blues’ struggles.
- Newcastle 2–0 Manchester United: Newcastle capitalized on United’s poor form, with Isak and Joelinto scoring to secure victory.
ASEAN Championship
- Thailand 3–1 Philippines: Thailand joined Vietnam in the final after a dominant display.
Tuesday, December 31
Arabian Gulf Cup Semifinals
- Oman 2-0 Saudi Arabia: Oman stunned Saudi Arabia, with goals from Al Alawi and Al Busaidi sealing their place in the final.
- Bahrain 1–0 Kuwait: Oman edged out Kuwait to secure a spot in the final.
Wednesday, January 1
Premier League
- Arsenal 3–1 Brentford: Arsenal began the year on a high, with Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, and Merino scoring to move the Gunners back into second place.
Winter Transfer Window
- The January transfer window officially opened, with clubs looking for signings to bolster their squads before the January 31 deadline.
Thursday, January 2
Italian Super Cup Semifinals
- Inter 2–0 Atalanta: Inter secured their spot in the Super Cup final with a convincing victory over Atalanta.
ASEAN Championship Final
- Vietnam 2–1 Thailand: Vietnam wins the first leg of the finals with Rafaelson’s double sealed their victory in a thrilling match.
Friday, January 3
Italian Super Cup Semifinals
- AC Milan 2–1 Juventus: Milan came from behind to defeat Juventus, setting up a Milan derby against Inter in the final.
Ligue 1
- Nice 3–2 Rennes: Nice climbed to sixth place after a dramatic win over Rennes.
La Liga
- Real Madrid 2–1 Valencia: Real Madrid moved five points clear of Barcelona, thanks to late goals from Modric and Bellingham. However, the match was overshadowed by Vinícius’ controversial red card.
Saturday, January 4
Premier League
- Brighton 1–1 Arsenal: Arsenal dropped points as Joao Pedro’s penalty canceled out Nwaneri’s opener.
- Crystal Palace 1–1 Chelsea: Chelsea’s woes continued as Mateta’s equalizer thwarted their hopes for a win.
- Manchester City 4–1 West Ham: City’s resurgence continued with a dominant win. Goals from Haaland and Foden highlighted their newfound form.
- Tottenham 1–2 Newcastle: Newcastle secured back-to-back wins, with Postecoglou’s Spurs managing only five points from their last eight games.
Ligue 1
- Lille 1–1 Nantes: Lille were held to a frustrating draw at home.
- Lyon 1–0 Montpellier: Lyon kept their European qualification hopes alive with a narrow victory.
Serie A
- Napoli 3–0 Fiorentina: Napoli solidified their lead at the top with a commanding win, moving three points ahead of Atalanta.
Arabian Gulf Cup Final
- Bahrain 2–1 Oman: Bahrain clinched the title, with goals from Marhoon and Al Musalami securing their triumph.
Key Talking Points
- Liverpool’s Domination: Can the Reds maintain their form and wrap up the title early?2. City’s Recovery: After back-to-back wins, are Manchester City back in the title race?
- Serie A Showdown: With Napoli leading the pack, can Atalanta or Inter mount a challenge?
- Vietnam’s ASEAN Glory: What does this victory mean for Vietnamese football?
- Transfer Window Buzz: With clubs scrambling for reinforcements, which moves will prove decisive?
The new year begins with drama on and off the pitch, as fans eagerly await more action in the weeks ahead.