Our Premier League awards honour the best – and worst – of the midweek top-flight action, featuring Arsenal, Ruben Amorim and James Garner.
Moment of the Week
There’s only one place to start. Arsenal faced Aston Villa in a top-of-the-table clash this week, with the Gunners eager to protect their lead at the summit.
Recent Arsenal performances had not been entirely convincing, while Villa – just three points behind the leaders at kick-off – had racked up a club-record 11 consecutive wins. In a statement performance, it was Arsenal who came out on top.
The North Londoners thrashed their in-form visitors 4-1 to throw down the gauntlet: Catch us if you can.
With the six teams immediately below them all dropping points, this was a massive win for Arsenal. If Mikel Arteta’s team do get over the line and end a 22-year title drought, it might be one of their defining results.
Player of the Week
David Moyes deserves credit for his work with a threadbare squad at Everton this season. The Toffees lack the depth of Premier League rivals, but remain nestled in the European chase.
It’s imperative then that their best talents are not allowed to leave. James Garner has become a key cog in the side this season, but is yet to sign an extension to a deal that expires in the summer. Everton remain relaxed given a one-year extension option, but performances like this week’s win at Nottingham Forest will attract attention.
James Garner masterclass. ✨ pic.twitter.com/AafkXpmBH3
— Everton (@Everton) December 30, 2025
The midfielder was superb in the 2-0 win at the City Ground, scoring the opener against his former team with a surge forward and smart finish.
He then teed up Thierno Barry for the second, leaving Murillo for dead before threading in the French forward. Could he be a late contender for England’s World Cup squad?
Goal of the Week
Fulham earned a share of the spoils at Crystal Palace thanks to this Tom Cairney beauty. The long-time captain does not play as regularly as he used to, but he’s still capable of quality moments.
Cairney’s cracker at Palace means he’s now Fulham’s fifth-oldest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Trademark TC. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/fEJWk56qar
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 1, 2026
Save of the Week
A big, big save from Dean Henderson to ensure Crystal Palace claimed a point against Fulham. The Eagles had led at Selhurst Park, but a Fulham fightback threatened to turn the game round.
Fortunately, Henderson was on hand with this 91st-minute stop from Timothy Castagne.
What a save this was from Dean Henderson! 🧤
🦅 @CPFC pic.twitter.com/UyiPqBP1kF
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 1, 2026
Stat of the Week
We see Chelsea have decided to take the ‘New Year, New Me’ mantra a little too literally…
1 – Enzo Maresca is the first manager in Premier League history to leave his club on New Year’s Day. Resolute. pic.twitter.com/qjqj17GbVC
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 1, 2026
A week to forget for…
Ruben Amorim. Fresh from suggesting he would be more flexible with his formation, following Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle with a back four, Amorim undid that result with a return to familiar territory.
The much-discussed 3-4-2-1 was back in midweek, as United drew with Wolves, giving the visitors just their third point of the entire Premier League season.
Amorim, again, is under serious scrutiny.
Read – Premier League Team of the Week – Alderete, Garner, Trossard
See more – Five early Premier League transfers to expect in January window
