This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
December 23, 2019
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard made a statement in his team's 2-0 win over Tottenham, a result that left Jose Mourinho's side reeling from racism allegations.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's struggles against lower-ranked teams continued as they lost 2-0 to Watford, a defeat that highlighted the team's Jekyll-and-Hyde nature.
AFP Sport looks at three key takeaways from the Premier League weekend:
Chelsea's win over Tottenham was a significant boost for Lampard, who had faced doubts about his experience as a manager. The team's switch to a 5-2-3 formation caught Mourinho off guard, and Willian's double sealed the win.
Manchester United's loss to Watford was a familiar tale for the team, which has struggled against lower-ranked teams despite its ability to compete with top sides. The team's possession statistics under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's management have been telling, with a 73% win rate when having less possession than opponents and a 36% win rate when having more.
Manchester City's 3-1 win over Leicester was a significant result for the team, which stayed in contention for the title despite Liverpool's 10-point lead. Kevin De Bruyne was instrumental in the win, and Pep Guardiola praised his commitment and skill.
