LOOKING at the league table after the Boxing Day and weekend fixtures, there are familiar and surprising names in intriguing positions.

LIVERPOOL are now top of the league at Christmas. Is that a good omen for the Reds? Time will tell.

IN football, having the right players is not enough – you need to ensure that each one possesses the mental toughness and football IQ to win games over a long season.

THE contest between Liverpool and Manchester City is typically a chaotic affair, brimming with goals and the occasional cards.

IT was supposed to be a celebration. Pep Guardiola had signed a two-year contract extension, Rodri paraded his Ballon d’Or at the Etihad, and Manchester City started strongly in their match.

THE Premier League heads into the international break with 11 games completed and 27 left to play.

FOR the first time in Pep Guardiola’s career, Manchester City have suffered four consecutive defeats, spanning the League Cup and UEFA Champions League.

THERE’S usually a lot of spirit in Arsenal. Players come to each game ready to fight and compete, led by head coach Mikel Arteta, whose sideline energy often sets the tone.

WEEK nine of the English Premier League ended with plenty of late goals leading to dramatic finishes.

SEEING Red was the theme of the week in Premier League football. Saturday alone saw five red cards, some issued for two yellow cards and others as straight reds! One red card sparked a comeback, while another decided on the outcome of a game.

UNLESS you’ve been living under a rock the last couple of days, Juergen Klopp is back in the news. Yes, Erik Ten Hag still has a job, but the former Liverpool manager has come under scrutiny this week after accepting the role as Red Bull’s global head of football. Klopp’s decision has sparked outrage from both Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund fans.

THEY billed it as the match that would determine Erik Ten Hag’s employment fate, especially with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in attendance at Villa Park.