Goals

Given the fact that Christian Pulisic had already missed time this year because of a calf strain, major hamstring tear and subsequent hamstring complaint, it was surprising to see the American in Chelsea’s starting lineup on Monday after going the full 90 against Arsenal on Saturday, but it affirmed the fact that Frank Lampard saw the American as a lone bright spot in that 3-1 defeat.  

A tale of two halves at Anfield on Sunday — one in which Liverpool controlled 81% possession; one in which West Brom landed more shots on target — ended in a 1-1 draw between the sides of a clearly frustrated (and booked) Jürgen Klopp and a triumphant Sam Allardyce. 

West Brom made the first managerial change of the Premier League season on Dec. 16 when sacking Slaven Bilić in favor of Big Sam, and the Baggies are now the first team to take points off Liverpool at Anfield — although the club remains five points from safety after 15 matches.    

Ben Johnson and Tomas Soucek scored second-half goals as West Ham United twice came back from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday.

Brighton created the early chances at London Stadium and deservedly took the lead just before halftime when striker Neal Maupay pounced on a loose ball in the box to score his first goal since October.

A fifth-minute penalty from Patrick Bamford was enough to give Leeds United a 1-0 win over Burnley at Elland Road in the Premier League on Sunday, but Sean Dyche's side were left furious after an Ashley Barnes effort was ruled out.

Bamford, who spent a spell on loan at Burnley earlier in his career, drilled home the early spot kick after referee Robert Jones ruled that Burnley keeper Nick Pope had brought down the Leeds forward. It was the Leeds man's 10th league goal of the season.

Days after beating Premier League side Newcastle in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, Brentford moved into fourth in the EFL Championship with a 3-2 win over Cardiff City on Saturday. Sergi Canós scored a hat trick for the Bees, but we won’t be showing you any of those goals. No, we’re here to talk about that Will Vaulks Goal from his own half. 

For Arsenal fans, it feels like the last time the Gunners won in the Premier League was a couple million years ago. In reality, it was nearly two months ago that Arsenal edged Manchester United. Since then, Mikel Arteta has watched his side lose five and draw two in league play. 

So it’s safe to say not even the most ardent of Arsenal fans expected what happened on Boxing Day.

For folks fortunate enough to be able to take an extra day or two off around the Christmas holiday, Wednesday provided plenty of soccer for the American sports fan with $5 to spare for an ESPN+ subscription. With beIN Sports providing free Ligue 1 coverage and ESPN+ streaming the Carabao Cup, DFB Pokal and Serie A, it was difficult to figure out which matches to watch.

Barcelona found accommodating opponents on Tuesday in relegation-threatened Valladolid, allowing Ronald Koeman to experiment with his formation and personnel and Lionel Messi to overtake Pelé for the most goals ever for a single club. 

Leading 2-0 in the 65th-minute, Pedri produced a gorgeous ball for Messi to score his 644th goal Barça. Pelé scored 643 for Brazil’s Santos.  

Emphasis on the assist from the 18-year-old Spaniard. 

Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes scored two each as Manchester United turned on the style, thumping Leeds United 6-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday to move up to third in the Premier League.

United are now on 26 points, above Everton on goal difference and trail leaders Liverpool by five points, having played a game less. It was the best display this season from United who responded to Leeds' well known pressing game and relentless running by playing through the press with crisp, swift passing and matching Marcelo Bielsa's side for work-rate.