Archie Gray scored the first goal as Spurs won at a misplaced Palace and Leeds attacked in a familiar formation. Premier League hits and misses | soccer news

Leeds’ 4-3-3 is dead. Long live 4-3-3?

Leeds’ return to form after switching to a 3-5-2 signaled the end of the 4-3-3 that had taken them just 11 points from their opening 12 games… Joe Rodon’s forced withdrawal from Sunderland and a return to his old formation heralded one of the most brilliant 45 minutes of the season.

Ahead of kick-off at the Stadium of Light, Daniel Farke did what many managers do and focused on the players, ignoring the importance of any system to his team’s fortunes. And after 90 minutes he could have considered himself fully vindicated.

Leeds’ recent form since the new game plan was put in place has inevitably had a positive impact on their collective and individual confidence. Despite a return to their old form after a risk-averse, solid but unremarkable early few weeks, the players looked very different in the North East on Sunday.

Watch how the equalizer is scored, with every player touching the ball in the build-up. Pep Guardiola would have been proud of that.

The 4-3-3, which had previously conceded just 11 goals in Leeds’ first 12 games, suddenly had Sunderland at its disposal. Only an inexplicable error from Jayden Bogle prevented Sunderland’s unbeaten home record from being threatened. They have produced the highest non-penalty xG of any single half of football all season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had more success than anyone with Farke’s change of system after becoming Noah Okafor’s strike partner. But once Leeds found his rhythm he no longer looked isolated. Okafor thrived again on the wing and instead Brenden Aaronson provided attacking support in a free role on the right, recording 15 touches in the Sunderland box.

The extent of Rodon’s injury could determine whether Leeds continue in this vein or return to the settled system that has seen them pick up eight points and 11 goals in their last four games. But it certainly offers hope that the 4-3-3 could still exist in their arsenal. Farke’s players just need the confidence to make the most of it.
Ron Walker

Gray’s future is bright

Archie Gray has surprisingly already been a hero for Spurs at Crystal Palace with the first goal of his senior career spanning 112 games at the age of 19, playing a crucial role. He played great on defense last season. Now he is back in midfield and showing his potential.

He has recently become a regular under Thomas Frank, starting seven of the last eight games in all competitions, and the manager clearly likes what he is seeing. “I think Archie is growing,” he said, referring to his commitment at a press conference.

Frank highlighted his strength of character as he bounced back from a mistake against Nottingham Forest. There was praise for his agility in scoring goals and his work off the ball. It all adds up to an exciting package and a young player with a big future.
Nick Wright

Mateta’s struggles hurt Palace

Another absence from Jean-Philippe Mateta against Tottenham means the Frenchman has not scored in seven games in all competitions. His ruthless finishing has been crucial for much of Crystal Palace’s memorable year, but he capped it off with an unconventional finish.

Mateta did not receive any help due to his heavy workload. His playing time has also had to be managed recently due to injuries. But his struggles in front of goal are at the heart of Palace’s recent issues. He may be one of only a handful of opposition centre-backs, but his confidence has certainly taken a hit.

Oliver Glasner was careful not to criticize him during a press conference after his team’s recent loss. “Of course you need a striker to score goals but JP has scored so many goals since I arrived,” he said. “You also need support from your teammates left and right.”

Justin Devenney and Jeremi Pinault’s side on Sunday have both scored just two goals in the Premier League this season. Even the much-missed Ismaila Sarr found the net only three times before leaving for AFCON.

Glasner is awaiting help to arrive during the January transfer window. As he said himself after the game, it was “clear” what was needed. But the most important thing is to find a way to get Mateta back to his original self.
Nick Wright

Could AFCON’s snub be Adingra’s blessing in disguise?

Two years ago, Simon Adingra won the best player award after scoring both goals in the AFCON final as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria 2-1 to claim the trophy.

It was soon placed on the Adingra fireplace next to the Young Player of the Tournament award from the same competition. The sky must have been the limit for the then 22-year-old Brighton winger.

It must have certainly felt inconceivable at that point that his career could have taken a downturn to the point where he wasn’t even included in the squad for the next edition. But his omission comes as no surprise, with just 13 Premier League starts in 2025 scheduled for Sunday’s games against Sunderland and Leeds.

Of course, things change quickly in football. Perhaps they already have. Earned a place in Regis Le Bris’ starting XI. is At AFCON, Adingra took full advantage against Leeds with a superb opener and should have added an assist had Brian Brobbey not turned a perfect cross onto the crossbar.

Le Bris himself summed up Adingra’s situation perfectly. “The journey of a professional footballer has its twists and turns,” he said. Sky Sports.

“We knew from the beginning that there might be an adjustment period. New club, new culture, new teammates. He’s a really good winger. It’s just a matter of confidence.”

Certainly, the player who lit up AFCON two years ago and is the latest in a production line of Brighton starlets is still around. And like any confident player, he needs both form and opportunity to dig it out again.

A swallow may not make it to summer, but playing for the Black Cats over the next month while the AFCON players are away could be exactly the shot Adingra needs. Especially since he is feeling confident about his first league goal in almost a year.
Ron Walker