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Issue 55 - Like An Egyptian

Issue 55 - Like An Egyptian

The newsletter which finds itself in the mixed zone

Dan Tracey
December 09, 2025

The best thing about writing a football newsletter is that in theory there is always something to talk about. On the pitch. Off the pitch, there is always news somewhere. The past few days have definitely filled that brief. World Cup draws. Salah’s flaws. Issue 55. Go.

Me Or Him

Leeds earning a point at home to Liverpool was certainly a surprise but because of the Reds’ shaky form this season, it stops being headline news. A 3-3 draw at Elland Road on Saturday was viewed as “more points dropped, blimey”. A bombshell was to be dropped soon after.

Mo Salah did not feature in the six-goal thriller, the third consecutive game in which the Egyptian has had to make do with a place on the bench. Of that trio, he has only featured in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland nearly a week ago.

A string of games where the Egyptian wizard has looked despondent from the sidelines, a string where Liverpool have managed to go unbeaten picking up five points from the last nine on offer.

Whether there is a direct correlation between his rest and Liverpool’s slight uptick in form can be argued but with the need to shut up shop, Salah’s license to roam free and not track back has seemingly expired.

While with his contract expiration being avoided after signing a new deal in the summer, his Liverpool paymasters now have a very expensive but also depreciating asset on their hands.

The timing of Salah’s comments not only coincidental after another sub-standard Liverpool showing on the field. Not only coincidental because the transfer window wil be prised open very soon.

With Saudi clubs salivating at the prospect of snaring Salah next month, the comments made by the 33-year-old to a Norwegian reporter were of no accident whatsoever, for a man who hardly enters the mixed zone, there was no mix up with what was said.

While there was certainly no mix up when Jamie Carragher responded on Sky’s Monday Night Football. If you have yet to see the eight minute unbroken ‘rant’ then make a cup of tea and watch it unfold. My own analysis of that would simply not do it justice.

Just how it unfolds for Liverpool? It does feel like a me or him scenario with Arne Slot as the other expendable item. With the way this season is shaping, it could be that the player goes in January and the manager goes in May. A game that in the end, neither win.

Over The Atlantic

That same Salah news almost overshadowed what went on during the World Cup draw the day before. A draw that can only be described as torture to anyone who attempted to watch from start to finish.

Donald Trump the first and likely only recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize set the tone, the tone seemingly getting worse when Rio Ferdinand’s attempts at some comedy or at least banter fell flat in front of a huge global audience.

While you could also argue that the make up of the draw fell flat as well. 48 nations, 12 groups but no ‘Group of Death’ as we have come accustomed to before the start of every tournament.

Then again, the stretching of nations across 12 groups was always going to further dilute the pool and remove jeopardy early on. The cynic in me concludes that this is exactly what FIFA want.

The top four seeds kept apart until at least the semi-finals (assuming they all make it), this may not get truly interesting until the Round of 32 or the Round of 16.

I’m sure the World Cup will eventually rev into full gear but with the timezones working against European-based supporters, this may have to be a tea and toast competiton rather than one watched down the local.

Give Me Five

Wolves have played 15 Premier League games this season and picked up two points. 2.

If you were to extrapolate that form across the whole campaign, they would pick up five points. 5.

(Obviously a pure extrapolation is slightly lazy but it does highlight just how shambolic the Molineux man have been this season).

Does this dent Rob Edwards’ ego already? There is no doubt a big bag of cash would have eased the switch from Middlesbrough. However, he must have also thought ‘if I can turn this around, my own personal stock rockets to a new level’

At the moment this particular rocket is earmarked for the Championship next season.

Ten Takeaways

A look at the main stories from last weekend’s Premier League action. Get yourself some Tuesday night takeaway.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

In the previous issue I referenced that an Aston Villa win would put them in the title race. As of Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, Unai Emery’s men find themselves on the grid. Matty Cash with the opener, I wonder in this form if he would ever got an England call up had he bided his time? I guess we will never know.

As for Arsenal, there was a sense of despair when Emi Buendia scored the winner in injury time. A reaction that almost felt ‘so Arsenal’, ‘so Arteta’ in the theatre of it all. Only two points clear but still top. This Arsenal side have to remember that is ok to lose sometimes and still get over the finish line. The only team that may truly beat them are themselves.

Everton vs Nottingham Forest

The team that wins this week’s “what on Earth are they doing there?" award is Everton. An impressive 3-0 win at the expense of Nottingham Forest. A second win in the space of a week. Delight for David Moyes, a result that just highlights just how bunched together any of 10 teams are right now.

Sean Dyche's return to Everton was not a happy one and a reunion with James Tarkowski was rather vocal. The Toffees defender with a clear bodycheck on Forest’s Dan Ndoye. Not enough to change the game, but it did make you wonder how the former Claret avoided any kind of censure.

Manchester City vs Sunderland

Phil Foden’s purple patch in front of goal continues as Manchester City continued their winning streak at the hands of Sunderland. Adding further fuel to the debate surrounding his role at the World Cup. You put him on the plane for sure, I have no idea what you do thereafter.

As for Sunderland, one point from their away travels this week. However, that is one point against two of the biggest teams in the division. Arguably one more than any supporter would have earmarked at the start of the campaign. That week does not define their campaign, everything still fine for derby day on Sunday.

Newcastle vs Burnley

A derby that sees them host Newcastle and the Magpies’ own groove continued with a win over Burnley on Saturday. Bruno Guimaraes scoring straight from a corner to open the scoring. Did you know the term for that kind of goal is an Olimpico goal.

As for Burnley, that is six successive defeats for the Clarets. Not a good run at all but they have only been edged out in each of the half dozen. Still, not enough if they want to survive the hunger games which is the Premier League, Scott Parker’s men have to show some desire this weekend.

Tottenham vs Brentford

Tottenham with a win at home. The perfect build after their midweek draw at Newcastle. Not the most impressive showing that you will see under Thomas Frank this season, but they simply needed to scrap and get three points in front of their own support. Good to see Xavi Simons on the scoresheet as well.

As for Brentford, their weirdly arranged tour of North London within the space of less than a week comes to an end with nothing to show for it. With that said, there seems to be a feeling of calm around the GTech in terms of overall performance and that is a priceless commodity at this level.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea

Bournemouth managed to sneak above Brentford at the weekend after their 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea. However, were you to take Wolves out of the equation, the Cherries currently have the longest Premier League run without a win - a run that stands at six games.

While Chelsea have not won either of their last two and although a point at the Vitality is not the worst result, Enzo Maresca and his players will certainly be smarting at another missed opportunity to reel in Arsenal at the top. Especially as they now sit fifth.

Leeds vs Liverpool

Daniel Farke. I take it all back (well not all of it). Four points picked up at home against Chelsea and Liverpool. Maybe there is some fight in this Leeds team and more importantly their manager. Delirium after their 96th minute equaliser, it might be Elland Road’s atmosphere that saves as the extra ingredient in their survival bid.

As for Liverpool, the obvious focus is on what happened after the game. For that reason alone, Ibrahima Konate should be incredibly grateful. A brainless decision to go to ground in the box. A decision that may speed up any attempts to land Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in a few weeks.

Brighton vs West Ham

A rough week for Brighton, having picked up just one point from the last six on offer at home. Deflated after defeat to Aston Villa, not enough in the tank to burst West Ham’s bubble. In a period where Tony Bloom’s Starlizard syndicate has been the real story in East Sussex, there is no real headline as far as Fabian Hurzeler’s men are concerned.

As for West Ham, I think it is fair to say that they have become solid rather than spectacular under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Three draws in their last four outings but a run that still sees them sit in the relegation zone. They need some more flair or any flair, maybe even Ric Flair in the January window. Whooooooo.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Fulham’s defence has been tormented in the last 180 minutes of football. Seven goals conceded. Admittedly, only two of those came at the hands of Crystal Palace on Sunday but it was still enough for Marco Silva’s men to succumb to a succesive home defeat. Leeds and Nottingham Forest are getting closer, they need to be careful. Burnley next.

As for Crystal Palace, a quiet day for Jean-Philippe Mateta but not a quiet day for another player who could be on the move very soon. Marc Guehi’s winner theoretically would add a couple more million to his price tag but with his contract tenure continuing to wind down, that fee is actually starting to get lower.

Wolves vs Manchester United

Wolves fans booing towards their owners on Monday. It does feel like the death of a thousand cuts at Molineux right now. The latest team to really feel the pinch of FFP, the circling of drain sunk Leicester last season, it looks highly likely to do the same to their Midlands neighbours. That and the dreadful they are playing this season.

A very comfortable win for Manchester United on Monday night and one that sees them move into the top six of the Premier League table. Is this their level? Can they push on? If there is one thing I have learned about the Red Devils since Alex Ferguson, the only thing for certain is that nothing is for certain.

The Filter Five

Five sprints up the touchline to keep you warm

The Cooling Break

As more and more World Cup details become announced, the latest is one that will potentially be a massive shot in the arm for broadcasters (those that carry advertising at least).

The reason for this, is because there will be a cooling break at the halfway stage of each half at every game (regardless if it is deemed necessary under usual protocol). How long is the drinks break? 3 minutes. How long is an ad break? 3 mins. Kerching!!

Welcome To Celtic

Wilfried Nancy’s tenure at Celtic got off to the worst possible start on Sunday as the Hoops were second best in their top of the table clash with Hearts.

Another manager with his tactical magnets on the touchline, his team were outfought by the current leaders. A 2-1 win means the Jam Tarts go back to being three points clear albeit having played a game more. Another twist in this interesting title race.

Boxing Day Football

Are you a Premier League follower who is miffed there is no football on the 26th of December (bar Manchester United vs Newcastle)? Fear not, I have the answer…

AFCON 2025 will be shown by Channel 4. Every game across the whole tournament for free. Zambia vs Comoros while having Turkey Sandwiches. Yes please.

The Palace Ruling

We all know about the saga that engulfed Crystal Palace over the summer and how they were caught out by MCO (multi-club ownership) rules - rules that saw them pushed down into the Europa Conference League.

Those rules are set to be enforced again this season, so a warning to any supporter of a club that is part of one of these models and subsequently qualifies for Europe. You might want to delay the celebrating until everything is rubber stamped by UEFA.

The Messi System

Inter Messi. Sorry, Inter Miami won the MLS Cup at the weekend. It is quite incredible how the Argentine has basically had a hand in making sure the team is fluent in Spanish to optimise performance. No cultural barriers on show as they got the better of the Vancouver Whitecaps by three goals to one.

Admin

Right, that’s the end of issue 55 as word continues to spread around the football world.

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