This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
December 16, 2019
Everton's interim manager Duncan Ferguson has made a significant impact in his two matches in charge, bringing a much-needed spirit to the team. The Toffees followed up a 3-1 win against Chelsea with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, showing a renewed sense of purpose.
However, the mood at Arsenal could not be more different. Freddie Ljungberg, the club's interim manager, has failed to spark a recovery in the five games since Unai Emery's sacking. The team's 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday was a stark reminder of their struggles, with Ljungberg hinting that the club needs to appoint a new manager quickly.
Leicester City's eight-match winning streak came to an end with a 1-1 draw against Norwich City, but the Foxes may see this as a blessing in disguise. Their next two games are against Manchester City and Liverpool, when they can adopt the underdog role and potentially cause an upset.
Chelsea's young side is feeling the pace, with four defeats in five Premier League games. Manager Frank Lampard knows that a dip was inevitable, but the team's defensive struggles are a major concern. The 25 goals conceded is the most among the top eight teams in the table, and Lampard may prioritize defensive reinforcements in January.