Premier League Matchweek 15: Can Spurs Revive Their Giant-Slaying Magic? Fulham Pin Hopes on Former Gunner

The 15th round of the Premier League continues on December 8 with crucial fixtures, including Tottenham Hotspur facing Chelsea and Fulham squaring off against Arsenal. Spurs, after a shocking 4-0 triumph over Manchester City, have managed only one point from matches against Fulham and Bournemouth, further cementing their "giant-slayer but minnows' benefactor" reputation. Meanwhile, Fulham look to former Arsenal player Alex Iwobi to shine again, especially as they face his old club.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea: Is Postecoglou Running Out of Time?

Ange Postecoglou's tenure as Spurs' manager has come under immense scrutiny despite a sensational 4-0 away victory over Manchester City. The thrilling triumph briefly halted calls for his dismissal, but subsequent lackluster results have reignited fans’ frustrations. The midweek 1-0 loss to Bournemouth saw supporters openly demand Postecoglou's exit, questioning his capability to lead a Premier League side.

Criticism of Postecoglou also stems from his background as a coach from an AFC member nation, a rarity in the English top flight. Detractors doubt whether his tactical expertise can consistently deliver results in such a competitive league.

In stark contrast, Chelsea has recently enjoyed a resurgence. With a deep squad at their disposal, Mauricio Pochettino’s team demonstrated the value of squad rotation midweek, dismantling newly promoted Southampton 5-1. Remarkably, five different players contributed to the scoring, emphasizing Chelsea's collective strength.

Christopher Nkunku, starting for the second time this season, opened the scoring, while Jadon Sancho netted his first goal in Chelsea colors. Sancho’s performance is particularly noteworthy; while initially a first-choice player, his form and fitness issues saw him lose his spot to Neto. However, his determined display midweek has reignited hopes of reclaiming a regular starting role.

Historically, Tottenham’s encounters with Chelsea have often favored the Blues. Last season, Spurs suffered two defeats, including a controversial first-leg encounter marred by aggressive tactics and red cards. The upcoming fixture poses a daunting challenge for Postecoglou, with his squad ravaged by injuries. The prospect of Spurs pulling off another shock victory against a stronger opponent seems slim. Chelsea, even at 30% of their capacity, are well-positioned to exploit Spurs' vulnerabilities.

Fulham vs. Arsenal: Iwobi Looks to Prove a Point

Fulham enters the fixture buoyed by a 3-1 victory over Brighton, where Alex Iwobi delivered a standout performance. The former Arsenal winger seized on an early mistake from Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, to score in the fourth minute. His composed finish set the tone for the match, energizing Fulham and their fans alike.

Though Brighton managed to equalize, Fulham benefited from an own goal to regain the lead before Iwobi capped the win with a second strike. Iwobi’s two-goal display and relentless creativity made him the standout player, reaffirming his value to Fulham since his arrival.

Meanwhile, Arsenal showed their mettle midweek with a commanding 2-0 win over Manchester United. The Gunners’ center-backs not only excelled defensively but also contributed offensively, each scoring from corner kicks. Manager Rubén Amorim has successfully implemented a fluid attacking style, making Arsenal a formidable opponent.

Fulham will take heart from their shock victory over Arsenal on New Year’s Eve last year, a result that spoiled the Gunners' celebrations. Currently enjoying good form and a lighter schedule, Fulham could exploit their physical advantage. Arsenal, however, remains a dominant force, with this match poised to be a tightly contested affair. Both teams are expected to deliver compelling performances at about 10% of their full potential.