theScore examines the most important developments and discusses the biggest talking points from Saturday’s busy slate of Premier League action.
Leeds’ improvement counts for naught
Somehow, Kasper Schmeichel was there again. The Leicester City goalkeeper made his fourth save of the game when his left foot repelled Raphinha’s effort from three yards after almost an hour had elapsed.
Then, just seven minutes later, Harvey Barnes scored the goal to puncture what was arguably Leeds United’s most dominant performance of the season.
The traveling Leeds supporters sounded their appreciation for their side’s fresh look – they often formed a 4-2-2-2 out of possession – and better defensive organization after the final whistle of Saturday’s 1-0 loss. New head coach Jesse Marsch delivered a similarly positive message to his team at the end of the match.
“I told the players that if we keep playing like this, we’ll get all the points we need,” Marsch said, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay. “The only negative is the result.”
But that negative represents the only thing that matters, especially at this stage of the season.
The American now has a few days on the training ground to help Raphinha rediscover his best form and get Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford closer to full fitness. No three players are more important to Leeds’ fortunes. However, Raphinha hasn’t taken on opponents with the same relish in recent weeks, while Phillips and Bamford have just 17 Premier League starts between them this season.
The Yorkshire club is only two points above the relegation zone before potentially season-defining encounters against Aston Villa and Norwich City at Elland Road.
Eriksen’s set-pieces boost Brentford
There were occasional bright spots when Christian Eriksen returned 259 days after his cardiac arrest to make his Brentford debut last weekend, but the Dane showed how important he could be to his new team in his first start at Norwich City.
For a club focused on using statistics to get an edge over its opponents, the Bees’ goal return from set-pieces has been distinctly average in recent years. Last season, Brentford finished as the Championship’s top scorers but ranked 12th for set-piece goals.
They’ve improved in the Premier League – entering Saturday’s 3-1 win at Norwich, a third of their goals came from set-pieces – and Eriksen adds more quality to Thomas Frank’s ranks in dead-ball situations. Before Eriksen’s arrival, Ethan Pinnock’s flung throw-ins were considerably more dangerous than free-kicks from the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Sergi Canos.
Eriksen was key to two of Brentford’s goals at Carrow Road. The Bees’ opener was satisfyingly simplistic: Eriksen sent a corner-kick to Kristoffer Ajer at the near post, and the ball was duly flicked on toward the back stick where Ivan Toney finished. The playmaker then caused more havoc with another corner when his offering appeared destined for Pontus Jansson’s head. In his desperation to prevent another Eriksen-crafted goal, Ben Gibson almost took Jansson’s ear off with a swing of his boot. Toney scored the resulting penalty.
Eriksen’s set-piece brilliance – and, indeed, Norwich missing Grant Hanley’s aerial presence in the backline – was a huge deciding factor in Norwich and Brentford’s meeting, helping the visitors end a winless run of nine matches across all competitions.
A little levity
Speaking of Eriksen, the Danish midfielder was at the center of Saturday’s most whimsical moment, along with Norwich’s Brandon Williams. After being dragged down by Eriksen, Williams was ready to react with fury.
Then he realized who was responsible for the tackle.
(Available to view in U.S. only)
(Available to view in Canada only)
Both players walked away with smiles. The Brentford midfielder seemed to appreciate the humor of it all, and Williams was surely relieved not to go down in history as the guy who took a swing at Eriksen.
Magpies’ January gets better and better
There could’ve been a temptation to bring some glitz and glamor to St. James’ Park in January. Manchester City unveiled Robinho, and Chelsea paid big fees to acquire Hernan Crespo, Adrian Mutu, and Juan Sebastian Veron soon after their respective takeovers.
But Eddie Howe was determined to strengthen nouveau-riche Newcastle United’s defense, so he picked up players named Kieran, Dan, and Matt. It seems Bruno Guimaraes – the closest thing Newcastle got to an exotic marquee signing in the winter window – was signed more for next season as he’s made only five substitute appearances thus far.
The Magpies’ sensible approach has paid off. Kieran Trippier’s impact was monumental before suffering a foot injury last month, but Dan Burn and Matt Targett are working assiduously at the back to ensure Trippier’s absence isn’t critical.
Burn was again imperious for Newcastle against his former club Brighton & Hove Albion, blocking two shots, stepping in with three interceptions, and whacking away seven clearances. Unless Luis Diaz’s bright start at Liverpool gets even better, Burn could be the Premier League’s best January signing.
Targett, who is on loan from Aston Villa, has brought discipline and positional sense to the left-back role that was lacking while players such as Matt Ritchie and Jamal Lewis operated in that space. Left-winger Ryan Fraser will undoubtedly credit the balance and protection that Targett brings to the lineup for helping him on his way to a goal, an assist, and his best outing in black-and-white stripes against Brighton.
The 2-1 victory gave Newcastle a seven-point cushion above the bottom three. The threat of relegation is almost dispelled.
Reece James back with a bang
Oh, how Chelsea desperately missed Reece James.
The Englishman, now fully recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss 12 matches across all competitions, made his first start since December in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Burnley. He stole the show.
James twisted Dwight McNeil inside-out before finding the bottom corner for the match’s opening goal, was involved in the buildup on Kai Havertz’s first marker of the contest, and then teed up the angular German for another.
In his extended absence over the last couple of months, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo have ping-ponged acclaim between themselves, dominating the discourse as the preeminent attacking full-backs in England’s top flight. But James reminded everyone that he belongs in that conversation, too. Yes, an accommodating Burnley defense made his life a little easier at Turf Moor, but the 22-year-old showed off his entire repertoire in Chelsea’s straightforward triumph.
On the back of that superlative attacking showing, James is now the only defender in Europe’s top five leagues with at least five goals and five assists this season. Alexander-Arnold has a more creative passing range, and Cancelo is a better dribbler, but James is the more consistent scoring threat of the distinguished trio.
Cezar Azpilicueta has been an outstanding player for Chelsea during his decorated tenure at the club, and he continues to be a solid, if unspectacular, option for Thomas Tuchel. But the gulf in attacking quality between the veteran Spaniard and explosive Englishman is stark. Saturday was the latest reminder; James makes the Blues a more credible attacking unit.
Would Chelsea still be in the title race if James was healthy all season?
Wolves’ big dream dissipates
After beating Tottenham Hotspur last month, we tipped Bruno Lage’s Wolverhampton Wanderers as candidates to make an unlikely Champions League charge. Wolves were rolling, after all, and sat within four points of the top four.
“We are always confident,” Raul Jimenez said at the time. “We know what we can do. We are in a good period, and we can keep improving and go higher in the table. We are dreaming big.”
They followed that up with another victory, this time over Leicester. The dreams kept growing.
And then someone popped the balloon.
In the wake of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Wolves have now lost three consecutive matches, scoring just once in that time, and have slipped to eighth place. Positionally, they’re closer to the bottom half of the table than a Champions League spot. How quickly things change.
Those setbacks may have been slim in nature – blowing a late lead against Arsenal now feels like a key turning point – but this illustrates just how difficult it is for one of the “outsiders” to gatecrash the top four.
There’s virtually no room for error, no room for even a slight dip in form. A Europa League berth would still be a good accomplishment for Lage, especially after the team’s torrid start to the campaign, but a place in Europe’s showpiece tournament now seems out of reach.
Alexander-Arnold better than ever
Even shots are turning into assists for Trent Alexander-Arnold these days.
The 23-year-old was outstanding in Liverpool’s narrow win over West Ham United on Saturday with a vintage performance at both ends of the pitch. In solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s best providers, Alexander-Arnold now finds himself on the cusp of shattering his personal records.
Whether his strike into the box on Sadio Mane’s game-winning goal was a shot or a cross is up for debate. What matters, though, is the English right-back was responsible for another quality ball into a dangerous area, which proved crucial in helping Liverpool collect another three points to stay within reach of leaders Manchester City.
Along with ending the day as the Premier League assists leader with 11 – two shy of his personal record – Alexander-Arnold recorded his 16th assist in all competitions Saturday to match his best output. With one more, he’ll surpass Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s highest total in a season for the Reds.
Given that there are just under three months left in the season, the English international has a golden opportunity to reach unprecedented heights for a defender if he can maintain his unbelievable form and avoid injury.
Breaking down thrilling EPL title race with 10 games left
Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.
One of the most intoxicating title races in Premier League history is, mercifully, ready to resume.
The quirks of the calendar – an FA Cup weekend succeeded by an agonizing international window – means the titanic tussle between Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City will have been on hiatus for a full three weeks before it gets back underway on Sunday.
But there are no more impending interruptions. With 10 matches remaining for each title contender, we’re barreling toward a resolution to the type of three-way battle that’s exceedingly rare in England’s top flight. There’s never been a season in the Premier League era where three teams went into the final day with a chance to hoist the trophy. This could be it. The last time it happened was the 1971-72 campaign, when Derby County won an incredible four-team fight, narrowly beating Leeds United and, ominously, Liverpool and Man City to the crown. We’re overdue for that kind of drama.
That three sides have converged this way at all is, frankly, remarkable.
These are the three best teams in the country by an enormous margin. They’re the only ones with an expected goal difference per game of plus-1.0 or greater this season. The next best mark, surprisingly, belongs to Mauricio Pochettino’s erratic Chelsea team at plus-0.36. So, yeah, it’s not close.
The three of them are also on a tear and show no signs of slowing down. Arsenal have won all eight of their league games in 2024, scoring 33 goals in the process; Liverpool have collected 22 of a possible 27 points in that time; reigning champions Manchester City have racked up 23 of 27 points. They’ve combined for just one loss since the calendar flipped – Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in early February.
The only sides that look capable of halting their progress are each other, which makes this weekend’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad all the more significant.
Euro 2024 playoffs: Miraculous Ukraine comeback, big result for Wales
Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.
Wales, Greece, and Poland registered statement wins Thursday, joining three other teams in next Tuesday’s playoff finals for the three remaining places at Euro 2024.
Ukraine staged an incredible late comeback against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its semifinal to keep its Euro dream alive.
The highest-placed team in FIFA’s rankings that’s no longer in contention to reach the tournament in Germany is 60th-placed Finland.
Here’s how the playoff semifinals across Path A, B, and C played out.
Path A
Mateusz Slodkowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Poland 5-1 Estonia
Estonia barely stood a chance. Down to 10 men as early as the 27th minute, the northern Europeans could only muster a consolation goal in a 5-1 loss to Poland. The Polish achieved the rout without Robert Lewandowski getting on the scoresheet and remain unbeaten in 21 Euro qualifiers at home, a magnificent run dating back to September 2006. Poland is trying to make up for a poor qualifying campaign in which it finished third in Group E, four points behind the Czech Republic and Albania. The country hasn’t missed the Euros since 2004.
Wales 4-1 Finland
The Red Wall might descend on Germany this summer. Wales’ raucous supporters have legitimate hopes of traveling to another major tournament after the Dragons scorched Finland without the retired Gareth Bale and with Aaron Ramsey, 33, on the bench after more injury problems. Teemu Pukki gave the visiting team some hope just before halftime following well-taken finishes from David Brooks and Neco Williams. But Wales needed just 73 seconds of the second period to restore its two-goal cushion via Brennan Johnson’s tap-in. Daniel James took advantage of a defensive error before rounding the goalkeeper in the 86th minute to give the host a resounding victory.
Playoff final: Wales vs. Poland, Tuesday 3:45 p.m. ET
Path B
David Balogh – UEFA / UEFA / Getty
Israel 1-4 Iceland
Iceland’s Albert Gudmundsson stole the show with an emphatic hat-trick against Israel on Thursday. His stunning free-kick into the top right corner canceled out Eran Zahavi’s opening goal for Israel, and he created a nice cushion for his country with a pair of markers in the final 10 minutes. Just before that, Zahavi blew an incredible opportunity to equalize the match at 2-2, missing a penalty awarded for handball against Iceland’s Gudmundur Thorarinsson. A red card to Israel’s Haim Revivo didn’t help the trailing side. Iceland is now a game away from making only its second-ever appearance at the Euros following its quarterfinal run in 2016.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-2 Ukraine
Ukraine scored twice with just minutes remaining in regulation to snatch what seemed to be a sure victory from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Bosnia controlled play for most of the match and took the lead in the 56th minute when Mykola Matviyenko turned in Amar Dedic’s shot into his own net. But a colossal defensive lapse cost the Bosnians a chance to make it a record four countries from the former Yugoslavia at Euro 2024. Roman Yaremchuk came off the bench to equalize in the 85th minute and teed up Artem Dovbyk’s sensational winning header three minutes later to turn the playoff semifinal on its head. Ukraine now faces Iceland with a third consecutive Euro appearance at stake.
Playoff final: Ukraine vs. Iceland, Tuesday 3:45 p.m. ET
Path C
GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE / AFP / Getty
Georgia 2-0 Luxembourg
Two clever finishes from Budu Zivzivadze in Tbilisi assured Georgia of a place in Path C’s final – and all without the help of suspended talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But it wasn’t that simple for the host. Luxembourg thought it equalized during the second half, only for the goal to be eventually snatched away due to Maxime Chanot’s apparent foul 45 seconds earlier. Luxembourg’s Chanot was controversially sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and Zivzivadze effectively ended the match six minutes later with his second strike. Kvaratskhelia is available for the final.
Greece 5-0 Kazakhstan
Anastasios Bakasetas lashed home a penalty, Dimitrios Pelkas headed into the net’s roof, Fotis Ioannidis tapped in from close range, and Dimitrios Kourbelis added another header. And that was all before halftime. Kazakhstan’s impressive 2022-23 Nations League campaign and notable Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Denmark, Northern Ireland (twice), and Finland suddenly seemed ages ago, as Greece recorded its biggest halftime lead since October 1978 (5-0 against Finland). Aleksandr Marochkin’s embarrassing own goal in the 85th minute made Kazakhstan’s day even worse.
Playoff final: Georgia vs. Greece, Tuesday 1:00 p.m. ET
Look: Nike unveils beautiful kit selection for Euro 2024, Copa America
Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.
Nike released a stunning batch of threads ahead of Euro 2024 and Copa America on Monday.
Days after Adidas launched its lineup for the summer’s top two tournaments, Nike followed suit with an array of colorful designs.
The U.S. manufacturer also announced redesigns for Canada and Poland, even though they’ve yet to qualify for their respective tournaments. The Canucks face Trinidad and Tobago in a one-off Copa America qualifier on Saturday, while Poland must navigate a four-team playoff to reach Euro 2024.
(All images courtesy of Nike)
Euro 2024
Croatia
Home
The square-shaped design that gives Croatia its unique look gets a slight upgrade. The home shirt features larger squares than ever before.
Away
Croatia’s away shirt plays on the national flag, with the traditional checkered pattern now on a slant.
England
Home
Influenced by England’s 1966 training gear, the home shirt has a classic feel with a rich blue collar and gorgeous trim along the cuffs.
Away
England embraces a deep purple hue for its away selection. The crest stands out with a contrasting off-white tint that makes the three lions pop.
France
Home
France’s home shirt may have the biggest crest of all of Nike’s offerings. The oversized rooster defines this shirt as much as the royal blue that’s made France’s kits a crowd-pleaser.
Away
The pinstripes mirror the colors of France’s national flag and span the width of the shirt in a simple, yet elegant design.
Netherlands
Home
Nike could’ve offered anything orange here, and it would’ve been perfect. But the Netherlands has something bolder and better to wear. The zig-zag pattern adds edge.
Away
The orange collar and cuffs pop alongside the three shades of blue Nike has chosen to create the abstract design on this work of art.
Poland
Home
Poland dedicates premium real estate on the country’s home shirt to its imposing crest.
Away
Poland’s away shirt is a daring choice. The graphic treatment adds texture, giving it a rugged feel while separating from the red tones of years past.
Portugal
Home
With possibly the best home shirt in Nike’s collection, Portugal leans heavily into its traditional red-and-green motif with a polo collar and thick cuffs. The logo sits prominently as well. A smash hit.
Away
Here’s another winner. Portugal’s away strip has a stunning textile imprint that gives off a cool summer vibe.
Turkey
Home
This is a menacing look. Turkey will look like a whirring red army with these imposing shirts.
Away
The classic red band returns to Turkey’s away uniform. Like the others, it features an oversized crest in the middle of the shirt.
Copa America
Brazil
Home
Nike goes big with Brazil’s crest and adds an intricate design to the same yellow hue the Selecao have used for decades.
Away
Brazil’s secondary strip feels like the beach. A horizontal wavy pattern covering the entire shirt mimics the country’s picturesque coastline.
Canada
Home
The only blemish in Nike’s lineup. Why is there a circle around the swoosh? And why are the shoulders so much darker than the body? None of it makes sense.
Away
The 13 pinstripes are supposed to represent the 10 provinces and three territories that make up Canada. Unfortunately, the rest of the shirt looks incomplete.
United States
Home
The United States men’s national team gets a classic home shirt with patriotic detailing along the color and sleeves.
Away
The gradient works perfectly with the red shorts the U.S. will wear at the Copa America.