Vardy's comeback and Palmer's coolness: Team of the Matchday 15 by Dailysports

From December 7 to 9, matches of the 15th round of the English Premier League 2024/25 season took place. The round was marked by two significant off-field events: a hurricane in Liverpool, which led to the cancellation of the Merseyside derby, and a serious car accident involving West Ham striker Michail Antonio.

On the pitch, teams showcased numerous intriguing moments. Both Manchester clubs dropped points again. Leicester, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, salvaged a match against Brighton in the last four minutes (2-2). Chelsea snatched victory against Tottenham (4-3) despite two mistakes by Cucurella. Brentford confirmed their status as the Premier League's best "home" team by defeating Newcastle (4-2). Arsenal scored from a corner again but couldn’t overcome Fulham (1-1).

• Read also: Girona vs Liverpool prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups – December 10, 2024

Here’s the symbolic team of the 15th Premier League round.

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno (Fulham)

Two years ago, Leno left Arsenal, and last weekend he hindered his former team’s title race. The German keeper made three crucial saves and prevented 0.24 expected goals (xG). The goal by Saliba was too dynamic for the goalkeeper to intervene, and the defenders bear more responsibility for that moment.

Notably, Leno contributed directly to his team's scoring play, initiating a quick counter-attack with a precise pass under pressure.

Center-back: William Saliba (Arsenal)

The French defender scored his second goal in four days, again from a corner kick. Saliba also completed 90% of his passes, made one successful interception, and recorded three clearances.

Center-back: Illia Zabarnyi (Bournemouth)

The 22-year-old Ukrainian registered six clearances, four blocked shots, won 9 out of 10 ground duels, and 4 of 6 aerial duels. Though Zabarnyi didn’t score or assist, he initiated a goal-scoring attack for his team.

Right-back: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton)

The Ghanaian delivered 93% accurate passes, including one precise cross and a long ball. In the 37th minute, he struck a powerful shot into the top-left corner of the goal.

Left-back: Pervis Estupiñán (Brighton)

Another Brighton full-back contributed significantly to the outcome, assisting Lamptey’s goal. The Colombian could have scored himself but was denied twice by the goalkeeper. Estupiñán won 3 of 4 aerial duels, made four clearances, and recorded two tackles.

Central midfielder: Will Hughes (Crystal Palace)

Against Manchester City, Hughes provided two assists. In the 4th minute, he delivered a pass amidst five opponents, and in the 56th minute, he assisted Lacroix’s goal from a corner. These were Hughes’ first contributions of the season.

Central midfielder: Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)

Early in the second half, the 24-year-old Englishman scored Forest’s second goal against Manchester United with a powerful strike from outside the box. Less than 10 minutes later, he assisted Chris Wood to make it 3-1.

Right midfielder: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

The Cameroonian remained active throughout the match against Newcastle. He opened the scoring in the 9th minute and assisted Kevin Schade in the 90th minute. Mbeumo also made three key passes, two tackles, and two shots on target.

Left midfielder: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Rice completed 98% of his passes, including four long balls and four crosses, and created two scoring opportunities. The only downside was a yellow card for a rough challenge.

Attacking midfielder: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

The 22-year-old Englishman converted two penalties, including a "Panenka," setting a Premier League record with 12 successful spot-kicks in a row.

Palmer also made four key passes, won 8 out of 10 positional duels, and completed 4 of 5 dribble attempts. He accurately delivered 2 of 3 long balls.

Additionally, Palmer set another record: 38 goal contributions (25 goals and 13 assists) in a calendar year, the highest for a Chelsea player in the Premier League.

Center forward: Jamie Vardy (Leicester)

Midway through the second half against Brighton, Vardy missed two opportunities: one over the crossbar and another saved by the goalkeeper.

However, in the final four minutes, the Leicester veteran turned the game around. In the 86th minute, he scored in the bottom-right corner, and in the 90th, he assisted Bobby De Cordova-Reid for the equalizer.

Manager: Nuno Espírito Santo (Nottingham Forest)

After a heavy defeat to City, Forest stayed in Manchester for another tough test. This time, Santo's side excelled, scoring three goals and handing United their second consecutive loss under Ruben Amorim.

This was Forest’s first victory at Old Trafford in 30 years. Santo also became the first coach in 114 years to beat Manchester United home and away in his first two encounters.