The last 3 times Arsenal were top after 12 games & what happened next

If Arsenal were to continue to average 2.58 points per game, they would finish the season with 98 points after 38 games.

If Arsenal were to continue to average 2.58 points per game, they would finish the season with 98 points. The Gunners have only dropped points in two of their opening 12 matches, which is some achievement.

Having scored an average of 2.5 goals per game, it feels as if this Arsenal squad is on the cusp of something special. Arsenal's squad currently ranks as the youngest in the Premier League with an average age of just 23.8 years.

Arteta has built a formidable force, but how does this side stack up against Arsenal teams of the past? We've looked back at the last three times Arsenal were top of the league after 12 games and how they ultimately did.

Arsenal: 2003-04

Sportz Point
Image- Getty Images

This year will take some topping.

The Gunners were unbeaten across their opening 12 matches of the 2003-04 season, a record which they managed to extend until the end of the season.

Gameweek 12 was arguably one of the sweetest for Arsenal fans. Having fallen behind against Spurs after just five minutes at Highbury, Arsenal turned things around with goals from Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg to win 2-1.

Something special was brewing in north London as Arsenal sat top of the Premier League table on 30 points after 12 games had been played.

Arsene Wenger's side finished the season having not lost a single game and were ultimately crowned as Premier League champions. During the Premier League era, the achievement of being invincible across an entire season had never been accomplished and perhaps it never will again.

20007-08

Having not won the Premier League since 2004, Arsenal were on a mission to reclaim their crown.

The Invincibles era had well and truly passed, but Wenger was on the right track to building something else during the 2007-08 campaign.

Wenger had edged away from the previous blueprint, which saw the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry thrive. Instead, Arsenal became a slightly more technical team so that the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky could flourish.

The Gunners sat at the top of the Premier League table after 12 matches, following a 3-1 away victory at Reading. Wenger's side had collected 30 points from their opening 12 matches and had a notable 3-1 away victory at Spurs in the process.

But the competition was stiff back in 2007-08, and Arsenal ultimately lost out on the title, despite a really strong campaign. They only lost three matches throughout the season but ended up finishing third.

Manchester United pipped them to the title, despite losing two more matches than Arsenal did throughout the season. Chelsea also managed to sneak above them in the final table.

Wenger's side sat top of the Premier League up until gameweek 29, but as a result of a five-game winless run, Arsenal lost their footing. The Eduardo injury, dropped points at Birmingham, and that William Gallas tantrum in February 2008 was where the season just went off the rails.

2013-14

Arsenal: 2013/14 | Sportz Point
Image- Getty Images

This year turned out to be quite the topsy-turvy season for the Gunners.

Having been outside of the title race for a few years, Arsenal seemed determined to throw their hat back into the ring. Wenger's side lost on the opening gameweek against Aston Villa, but they then won eight of their next nine league matches.

Mesut Ozil was Arsenal's marquee signing in the summer and it was hoped that he would push them on to challenge for the league again. The German playmaker finished his debut season with five goals and nine assists.

The 2013-14 season is remembered as a title tussle between Man City and Liverpool, but Arsenal spent the most weeks at the top of the table, remaining there until gameweek 25.

But things quickly unravelled for them in the second half of the season. Wenger's side were subjected to a fair few humiliating scorelines this year. His side lost 6-3 to Man City, 5-1 to Liverpool and 6-0 to Chelsea.

In the end, Arsenal finished the season in fourth place and were seven points off champions Man City. Time will tell if history repeats itself once again this year.

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Transfer News: Liverpool show interest in signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz

With the need to bolster their squad in the winter transfer window, Liverpool are searching for the perfect talents that can propel them to their first Premier League title since 2020. Yildiz happens to be one of them

Muojindu Francis

Dec 8, 2024, 10:08 PM

Kenan Yildiz of Juventus- Sportz Point.com

Liverpool is reportedly eyeing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, but the winger comes with a steep price tag of €80 million (£66.3 million/$84.6 million).

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool is among the top clubs impressed by Yildiz's outstanding performances for Juventus. However, securing his signature could prove challenging, as Juventus values the player highly and has no intention of letting him go for a reduced fee.

The deal is described as "ambitious," with Yildiz viewed as a potential boost to Liverpool’s attacking options, especially in the event of Mohamed Salah's departure.

Read Also| Luis Campos and Luis Enrique are reportedly in a rift over transfer discussions at PSG

Who is Kenan Yildiz?

Who is Kenan Yildiz | sportzpoint.com
Yildiz is currently playing for Juventus.

Kenan Yildiz is a highly talented Turkish winger currently playing for Juventus, widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in European football. Born on May 4, 2005, in Regensburg, Germany, Yildiz holds dual citizenship for Germany and Turkey but represents Turkey at the international level.

His rise to prominence has been marked by his skilful dribbling, creativity, and knack for making decisive contributions in the final third.

Read AlsoCole Palmer Breaks Yaya Toure's Penalty Record in a Comeback Win for Chelsea

Style of Play

Yildiz is known for his versatility in attack. Predominantly a winger, he can also operate effectively as a playmaker or second striker. His game is characterized by excellent ball control, quick acceleration, and an eye for goal. Yildiz’s ability to take on defenders one-on-one and deliver precise passes makes him a valuable asset in creating scoring opportunities.

Read AlsoManchester United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth leaves the club after just five months

How can Yildiz fit into Liverpool's system?

How can Yildiz fit into Liverpool's system? | sportzpoint.com
Yildiz could provide rotation options for players like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, or Darwin Núñez

Yildiz is capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even a secondary striker, which aligns with Liverpool’s demand for flexible attackers. Liverpool’s system relies on high-intensity pressing, and Yildiz has shown a willingness to track back and contribute defensively.

Liverpool's success depends on squad depth, especially when competing across multiple competitions. Yildiz could provide rotation options for players like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, or Darwin Núñez, ensuring Liverpool maintains quality on the pitch even during fixture congestion.

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Cole Palmer breaks Yaya Toure's Penalty Record in a comeback win for Chelsea

Chelsea clinched a dramatic victory over Tottenham, with Cole Palmer at the center of it. His calm and composed penalty made him the player with the most consecutive successful spot-kicks.

Muojindu Francis

Dec 8, 2024, 8:27 PM

Cole Palmer calmly celebrates after scoring against Tottenham- Sportz Point.com

Cole Palmer delivered another remarkable performance, breaking two records in Chelsea's thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Palmer now holds the record for the most penalty goals scored without a miss in Premier League history.

The London Derby did not begin in the way that the visitors would have expected with the game being thrown into disarray at the start of the game.

Read AlsoManchester United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth leaves the club after just five months

Chelsea staged an impressive comeback to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory in the London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Spurs initially took a two-goal lead through Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski, capitalizing on two errors from Marc Cucurella. However, Chelsea responded strongly, with Cole Palmer playing a pivotal role in their resurgence.

 

Cole Palmer breaks Yaya Toure's Penalty Record in a comeback win for Chelsea - sportzpoint.com
Palmer after netting the first penalty, which helped him equal Yaya Toure's record. Image | CFC

Jadon Sancho reduced the deficit with a sublime finish, and Palmer converted two penalties, sandwiching a strike from Enzo Fernandez, to secure the win. Heung-min Son's late goal offered little comfort for Tottenham. Palmer's two successful penalties brought his Premier League tally to 12 for Chelsea, setting a new record for the most penalties scored in the league by a player with a perfect 100% conversion rate.

He surpassed former Manchester City star Yaya Toure, who netted all 11 of his penalty attempts during his illustrious career at Manchester City.

The most Premier League penalties scored without ever missing:

Cole Palmer – 12

Yaya Toure – 11

Dimitar Berbatov – 9

Raúl Jiménez – 8

Ruben Neves – 8

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Tottenham vs Chelsea Premier League 2024- 25 | Chelsea make an electrifying comeback to win from behind by 4-3, Palmer with a brace

Catch all the live updates news, scores and free commentary of the exciting Premier League 2024-25 picture of Tottenham vs Chelsea in London.

Koushik Biswas

Dec 8, 2024, 6:55 PM

Tottenham vs Chelsea Premier League 2024- 25 | Chelsea make an electrifying comeback to win from behind by 4-3, Palmer with a brace - sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to another Premier League football live coverage by Sportz Point. Tonight, we will be covering the Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

This is London’s third-oldest top-flight derby and both teams will have everything to play for to battle for the league title. Spurs are struggling at number eleven on the points table With only 20 points from 14 games. Meantime Chelsea are battling for the top spot along with Liverpool and Arsenal With 28 points from 14 games.

Get ready for all the exciting life coverage of the Tottenham vs Chelsea match as Koushik Biswas brings you free commentary and news from the web desk. 

LIVE Updates
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Everton vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Head to Head Stats, Predictions and Possible Lineups

Check out the full match preview, previous records, head-to-head stats, predictions, injury updates, and possible lineups of the Everton vs Liverpool clash in the Premier League 2024-25 season.

Muojindu Francis

Dec 6, 2024, 9:11 PM

Everton vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Head to Head Stats, Predictions and Possible Lineups - sportzpoint.com

This fixture holds so much history in the League fondly called the Merseyside derby it was one of the most fiercely contested games. As these two iconic clubs clash again, the stakes are as high as ever, with city pride and crucial points on the line. Everton will look to break Liverpool’s dominance in recent meetings, while the Reds aim to assert their superiority and keep their season's momentum alive.

Match Details

Match: Everton vs Liverpool

Date: 07/12/2024

Time: 6:00 pm (IST)

Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England.

Match Preview

Everton will bid farewell to Goodison Park at the end of the season, a stadium that has been their home for decades and the venue for 244 Merseyside derbies. The 245th derby, set for tomorrow, will be the last held at Goodison before the club transitions to their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock.

This historic occasion adds extra intensity, as Everton will be determined not to lose their final derby at the iconic ground to their fierce local rivals. Bragging rights and legacy will be on the line.

Everton manager Sean Dyche heads into the match with confidence following a dominant 4-0 win over Wolves midweek, a performance that highlighted their set-piece strength, with players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Tarkowski posing significant aerial threats.

Their physicality in midfield will also be key to disrupting Liverpool’s flow, potentially creating a hostile environment that the Reds have struggled with in the past.

Read Also |  Erik Ten Hag is reportedly shortlisted to replace Marco Rose as the next RB Leipzig manager

Everton vs Liverpool Match Preview - Van Dijk during the training session on matchday -1 - sportzpoint.com
Van Dijk during the training session on matchday -1. Image | Liverpool FC

On the other hand, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will aim to rally his team after a frustrating draw against Newcastle, where they dropped two crucial points. Slot's side faces pressure from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea closing in behind them in the standings. 

Liverpool, however, have match-winners aplenty, with Mohamed Salah in exceptional form. His pace, sharp runs, and finishing ability will test Everton's defensive resolve. Liverpool also boasts creativity throughout the squad, capable of turning even the most random moments into goal-scoring opportunities.

While Liverpool may be favorites, Everton’s determination to make their last derby at Goodison unforgettable could set the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling encounter.

Read Also | 5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Most Goals in Premier League History

Head- to- Head Stats

The two sides have played 64 times with Liverpool dominating the fixture. in the last 5 meetings, the visitors have won 3 times, while Everton has won once and the other has ended in a draw.

Matches played- 64

Liverpool win- 28

Everton win- 11

Draws- 25

Team News

Everton

Armando Broja - sportzpoint.com
Armando Broja after his Everton debut - Image | Everton

Armando Broja made his Everton debut late in Wednesday's victory and had a promising impact, creating two opportunities that Jack Harrison failed to convert.

Broja's return adds competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who reclaimed his spot from Beto midweek and contributed to the two own goals scored by Craig Dawson.

Meanwhile, Youssef Chermiti is expected to return in a week or two to further strengthen Everton’s attacking lineup. In midfield, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are also working to regain fitness ahead of the demanding winter schedule.

Michael Keane is doubtful while Youssef Chermiti (foot), Tim Iroegbunam (foot) and James Garner (back) remain sidelined.

Read Also | "I will not wait until summer" Joshua Kimmich plans to decide his future very soon

Liverpool

Everton vs Liverpool Match Preview - Alisson Becker can return to playing XI for Liverpool - sportzpoint.com

Liverpool's defensive pair, Ibrahima Konate, and Conor Bradley, remain unavailable, and their absence was evident on Wednesday, with Joe Gomez struggling at the back, Jarrell Quansah may be the preferred option to partner Virgil van Dijk in defense.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is nearing a return, although Slot has indicated that he won’t rush him back due to Caoimhin Kelleher’s strong form. However, following Kelleher's costly mistake on Wednesday, Alisson could return sooner than expected.

Alexis Mac Allister will miss the match due to a suspension after his booking at Newcastle, and it seems unlikely that Diogo Jota or Federico Chiesa will feature in such a high-intensity game.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia in talks to participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025

Possible Lineups

Everton's possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Ndiaye, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

Liverpool's possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

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Marc Guehi will receive no formal action by FA over his message on armband issue

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi will not face any punishment by the FA for breaking Premier League regulations as he wrote religious messages on his rainbow armband, which conveys LGBTQ+ celebrations.

Marc Guehi will receive no formal action by FA over his message on armband issue - sportzpoint.com

Crystal Palace captain and England international, Marc Guehi, has avoided disciplinary action from the English Football Association (FA), despite breaching the Premier League regulations. The defender wrote a religious message on his rainbow armband to celebrate LGBTQ+ during Crystal Palace's Premier League outing against Newcastle United on 30 November, which ended up in a 1-1 draw.

The series of events 

Marc Guehi wrote religious messages on his captain's armband in Crystal Palace's dedicated 'Rainbow Laces' Premier League game against Newcastle United. Being a devoted Christian, he wrote "I love Jesus" on the armband for the game on 30 November 2024, which caught the eyes of the FA.

FA will remind Crystal Palace player Marc Guehi of rules over religious  messaging after he played with 'I love Jesus' armband | UK News | Sky News
(Image Credit | Sky News)

Significantly, Guehi did not write the word 'love' on the rainbow armband but he used a love sign instead. However, Guehi was warned about violating regulations regarding on-field slogans. Despite this warning, the 24-year-old defender proceeded to write "Jesus 'hearts' you" on his rainbow armband during the very next match against Ipswich Town on 4 December 2024. 

The regulation regarding slogans says:

Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans. For any offence, the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, the national association or by FIFA

The FA again warned Crystal Palace regarding the existing kit regulations. However, despite a second breach of the rule, they have decided against taking any measure.

Marc Guehi spoke to Sky Sports and explained his intentions behind the messages he wrote.

The message was pretty clear, to be honest. It was a message of love, of truth as well, and a message of inclusivity. So I think it speaks for itself,

Following the 1-0 victory against Ipswich on Tuesday, Palace manager Oliver Glasner commented regarding this issue in a post-match interview:

We respect every single player, especially Marc, who is our captain. He is a great guy, very humble and we shouldn't make it bigger than it is, he is very respectful to everyone in the club.

In football we are all against discrimination, it's a great campaign. We spoke about it, we speak often as he is my captain.

He is no child, he is an adult, he has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. The quote of this campaign is to be tolerant and Marc is very tolerant.

Recent rejections against LGBTQ+ celebrations from the Premier League players 

The Premier League and FA partnered with Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ charity, to promote inclusivity and diversity in football. As part of their 'Rainbow Laces' campaign, all 20 Premier League clubs were provided with rainbow-colored captain armbands to wear during matches last weekend and this week. This initiative, which began in 2013, aims to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the sport. 

However, there has been some recent displeasure the players have expressed due to their own opinions and beliefs. Ipswich Town's captain Sam Morsy was the only Premier League captain who did not wear the rainbow armband during the campaign in their recent PL outings against Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace. Ipswich stated that Morsy is a practicing Muslim and he did not wear the armband due to his religious beliefs. However, FA did not take any action as wearing the rainbow armband has not been mandatory.

Well done Sam Morsy' and other fan views after rainbow armband stance
Sam Morsy wore the regular captain's armband. (Image Credit | Football365)

On the other hand, Manchester United reportedly canceled plans to wear the special jackets supporting the LGBTQ+ community for their Premier League match against Everton on 1 December 2024; after one of their players refused to participate in the initiative. According to the Athletic, the player was Noussair Mazraoui who refused to wear the jackets due to his religious beliefs. United refused to confirm the identity of the player. 

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