Chris Richards faces an uncertain timeline for his return to Crystal Palace action following a foot injury sustained in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal defeat to Arsenal. The U.S. international defender required stitches after being stamped on during the match and was subsequently forced to watch from the stands as Palace lost 1-0 to Tottenham on Sunday.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner provided an update on the 25-year-old's condition ahead of Wednesday's clash with Fulham, but couldn't guarantee his availability. "His foot got stitched, but it's still swollen," Glasner explained. "You have to wear a boot and kick a ball, and with the wound right there, it's very, very painful."
Despite the setback, Richards remained upbeat on social media, telling supporters: "Thanks everybody for the messages, won't be long till I'm back." His absence represents a significant blow for Palace, as he had started all 17 Premier League matches this season before the injury, establishing himself as a crucial component of their defense during a demanding fixture schedule.
Forward Scored on Friday in a Draw, But Struggled for Involvement in Monday's Defeat
Patrick Agyemang's prolific form continued on Boxing Day as the U.S. international striker netted his sixth goal of the season in Derby County's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City. The 25-year-old, who joined the Rams from Charlotte FC in a deal reportedly worth $8 million, has now found the net four times in his last six appearances, cementing his status as a key attacking threat for the Championship side.
Agyemang's header in the 27th minute came from excellent work by Rhian Brewster, whose lofted cross picked out the unmarked forward for a close-range finish. The goal showcased the developing partnership between the two strikers, something Agyemang was keen to highlight after the match. "We communicate on and off the pitch a lot," he explained to Sky Sports, emphasizing their understanding of each other's strengths.
The draw became more impressive given Derby's circumstances, as they played over half the contest with 10 men following Joe Ward's dismissal before halftime. Agyemang praised his teammates' resilience, saying, "It shows the character of the team. We stayed defensively strong and as a family unit."
However, Agyemang's performance dipped in Monday's 2-1 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. The striker managed just 26 touches—the fewest of any outfield player completing the full 90 minutes. While he showed glimpses of his pace when running at Leicester's defense and forced a save with a deflected effort, his overall impact was limited. He completed only 70% of his passes and failed to complete any of his four dribble attempts, struggling to replicate his earlier influence as Derby fell to defeat despite Brewster's equalizer.
Christian Pulisic made headlines both on and off the pitch this weekend, scoring in AC Milan's commanding 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona while publicly addressing false rumors about his personal life.
The United States Men's National Team captain opened the scoring at San Siro on Sunday, converting Adrien Rabiot's flick-on from close range just before halftime. Positioned at the far post during a corner, Pulisic turned the ball into the roof of the net for his 10th goal of the season across all competitions. Christopher Nkunku added a second-half brace to seal the victory, helping Milan maintain second place in the Serie A standings.
The goal represented a significant milestone for the 27-year-old American, marking his 50th direct goal contribution in Serie A since joining Milan in 2023. With 31 goals and 19 assists across 80 league appearances, Pulisic trails only Inter captain Lautaro Martinez (54) for most goal contributions in Italy's top flight over the past three seasons. The pair also lead Serie A's scoring charts this campaign, with Lautaro netting nine times and Pulisic eight.
Despite his on-field success, Pulisic felt compelled to address baseless speculation linking him romantically to actress Sydney Sweeney. Taking to Instagram Stories, he wrote: "Please stop with the made up stories about my personal life. Need to hold sources accountable, it can affect people's lives." He called the reports "a silly rumor" and emphasized they were "fake news."
Pulisic is actually in a relationship with professional golfer Alexa Melton, who made their romance public on social media in July 2024 with photos from Turks and Caicos. Meanwhile, Sweeney has been linked to music manager Scooter Braun since September. Milan's victory keeps them firmly in the title race, sitting just one point behind city rivals Inter.
Midfielder Provided an Assist in Leeds' Draw With Sunderland
Brenden Aaronson delivered a standout performance in Leeds United's 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland, earning man-of-the-match honors, following an all-action display that demonstrated his growing importance to Daniel Farke's system.
After Simon Adingra put Sunderland ahead in the 28th minute with a well-taken finish from Granit Xhaka's clever pass, Leeds emerged from halftime with renewed determination. Just two minutes into the second half, Aaronson proved decisive, finding space and delivering a perfectly weighted assist for Calvert-Lewin, who finished clinically to restore parity in the 47th minute.
The assist marked Aaronson's third in his last seven Premier League appearances—matching his total from his first 46 matches with the club—highlighting a remarkable upturn in his creative output. His influence extended far beyond that single moment, as he led all players with five chances created, including two big opportunities, while completing 31-of-37 passes across his 55 touches.
Aaronson's statistical achievement was particularly noteworthy. He recorded 15 touches inside the opposition penalty area, becoming only the second player this season to combine that many box touches with five chances created in a single match. More impressively, he became the first player since Opta began tracking this data in 2008-09 to accomplish this feat for a newly promoted side.
The performance represents back-to-back impressive outings for Aaronson, who has now earned two man-of-the-match awards this campaign. Speaking to LUTV, he emphasized the importance of momentum, stating: "I think rhythm's a huge thing and momentum's a huge thing in this league."
The draw extended Leeds' unbeaten run to five matches and moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone, with Aaronson's resurgence proving vital to their Premier League survival hopes.
Midfielder Had an Eventful Week, Leading Juventus to a Win Over Pisa
Weston McKennie continues to prove his worth to Juventus despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding his contract situation. The American midfielder played a crucial role in the Bianconeri's 2-0 Serie A victory over Pisa on Saturday, providing the cross that led to the opening goal in the 73rd minute.
Operating from his wingback position in Luciano Spalletti's 3-4-2-1 system, McKennie delivered a dangerous ball into the box that, after a deflection, resulted in a goal for Pierre Kalulu. While the assist didn't officially register in the statistics, the 27-year-old's contribution proved decisive in breaking the deadlock. Kenan Yildiz sealed the victory with a late stoppage-time strike, pushing Juventus up to third place in the league standings.
McKennie's performance extended beyond his attacking involvement. He completed the full 90 minutes and topped the match statistics in several defensive categories, winning eight duels—more than any other player—and completing five tackles. He also contributed four clearances and drew a foul, demonstrating the versatility that has made him indispensable to Spalletti since the manager's arrival in late October.
However, McKennie's impressive form comes amid contractual uncertainty. With his deal expiring in six months and negotiations stalling after Damien Comolli replaced Cristiano Giuntoli as Football Director, speculation about his future intensifies. Reports suggest Juventus may consider selling him in January rather than losing him on a free transfer.
The situation appears to be out of McKennie's hands, as he recently stated: "I hope to stay at Juventus. But I leave it all in my agent's hands." His recent performances—this marks his 23rd appearance across all competitions this season—strengthen his case for remaining in Turin. Juventus face Lecce on January 3rd, seeking a fifth consecutive victory, with McKennie likely to continue his influential role.
Full Back Continues Fine Form in Fulham's Win Over West Ham
Antonee Robinson's return from a three-month injury layoff has sparked a remarkable transformation in Fulham's fortunes. The American left-back has been instrumental in the Cottagers' recent surge, with the team securing three victories in their last four matches since his comeback.
His performance against West Ham on Saturday showcased exactly why he's so valued at Craven Cottage. Robinson demonstrated his exceptional two-way abilities throughout the match, making it difficult to determine whether his attacking or defensive contributions were more impressive. His relentless energy earned him comparisons to the cartoon roadrunner, as he tirelessly patrolled the left flank for the full ninety minutes.
The statistics from the London Stadium encounter tell a compelling story. Robinson registered 93 touches—second-most in the match—while maintaining an exceptional 94% pass accuracy. His creative output was particularly noteworthy, as he generated four chances, more than any other player on the pitch. His delivery was precise, completing all three of his long balls and four of seven crosses. Defensively, he contributed four tackles and three interceptions while helping Fulham secure a clean sheet.
His partnership with Emile Smith Rowe proved especially effective, with the duo combining well down the left side. Despite facing West Ham's primary threat, Jarrod Bowen, Robinson held firm defensively while providing constant attacking width. Fulham's 1-0 victory, secured by Raul Jimenez's late header, lifted them into the top half of the Premier League table. His performances have proven that when healthy, he remains one of the league's most complete full-backs, capable of influencing matches at both ends of the pitch.
On This Day in 2008, Dempsey's Last-Gasp Header Completes Comeback Against Chelsea and Extends Fulham's Unbeaten Streak to Nine
The transformation had been gradual but undeniable. After spending the opening months of the 2008-09 season on the periphery—just one start in Fulham's first 11 fixtures—Clint Dempsey had finally worked his way back into Roy Hodgson's plans. The breakthrough came on a cold October afternoon at Fratton Park, where he'd come off the bench to salvage a draw against Portsmouth with his first goal of the campaign. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a foothold.
By late December, that foothold had become something more substantial. Dempsey had displaced Zoltan Gera in the starting XI and repaid Hodgson's faith with his first home goal of the season in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough on December 20. Eight days later, on December 28, with Fulham riding an eight-match unbeaten streak that had lifted them into the top half of the table, the American would face his sternest test yet. Chelsea were coming to Craven Cottage.
The timing could hardly have been more dramatic. Fulham's remarkable run—built on a defensive foundation that had conceded just once in six matches—had transformed perceptions of a club that had escaped relegation on goal difference the previous spring. Now seventh in the table and dreaming of European football, the Cottagers had proven they belonged in conversations beyond mere survival. But Chelsea represented a different magnitude of challenge entirely.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's side sat second in the Premier League, just three points behind Liverpool, and arrived at the cottage with title ambitions still intact. The Portuguese manager faced selection dilemmas—should he pair Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in attack, or keep his 14-goal top scorer on the bench? His decision to start with Drogba alone, with Anelka initially relegated to the bench, would prove consequential.
For Fulham, the team sheet brought its own concerns. Brede Hangeland, their defensive anchor, was battling the flu after missing the Boxing Day stalemate at Tottenham. Jimmy Bullard's dead leg from that same match left his availability in doubt. The atmosphere crackled with derby-day tension, 25,462 packed into the compact stadium along the Thames, knowing they were watching two clubs heading in opposite directions—one chasing glory, the other chasing history.
What followed was a match that swung violently between control and chaos, a West London derby that would encapsulate everything compelling about Fulham's unlikely season. The opening exchanges were cautious, both sides feeling each other out, until the ninth minute shattered Chelsea's composure. Andrew Johnson drew a foul just outside the area, and Simon Davies stepped up to deliver the free kick. The ball arced dangerously toward the far post. Players hesitated, assignments blurred, and Dempsey found himself in glorious isolation at the back post. With his back to goal and Petr Cech scrambling to cover his near post, Dempsey chested the ball down with perfect control. In one fluid motion, he pivoted and used the outside of his right boot to flick the ball over the line before anyone could react. Craven Cottage erupted, and the underdogs were making the giants sweat.
Chelsea's response was immediate and aggressive. Drogba, granted space in behind Aaron Hughes, turned and fired across goal only to see his effort roll agonizingly wide of Mark Schwarzer's far post. The pressure mounted, but Fulham's defensive resolve—the bedrock of their unbeaten run—held firm. Then injuries intervened, reshaping the match. Florent Malouda limped off with a hamstring problem on the half-hour, forcing Scolari's hand. Anelka entered, and Chelsea's entire dynamic shifted. Within seconds of his introduction, Anelka unleashed a fierce drive that required Schwarzer's full attention. When Alex also succumbed to injury before halftime, Ricardo Carvalho—making his first appearance in two months following knee surgery—entered and immediately elevated Chelsea's quality. Fulham reached the interval clinging to their advantage, knowing the second half would demand every ounce of their newfound resilience.
They held for just four minutes. Joe Cole's chip into the penalty area created havoc. Hughes and Schwarzer collided as they attempted to clear under pressure from Drogba, and the ball broke loose in the worst possible location—directly to Frank Lampard, unmarked and composed. The Chelsea midfielder rolled his finish into the empty net with characteristic efficiency. The tide had turned. Chelsea seized control, their superior technical quality asserting itself. Cole forced Schwarzer into two excellent saves, the second a stunning parry low to his right that kept Fulham level. When the breakthrough came, 72 minutes in, it carried an air of inevitability. Johnson fouled Deco 30 yards from the goal, and Lampard stood over the free kick. Lampard struck it low to the near post, and though the goalkeeper scrambled back, he couldn't recover in time. The dipping effort found the bottom corner, and Chelsea had their lead.
With 18 minutes remaining and the champions-elect in control, Fulham's historic unbeaten run appeared destined to end. Hodgson rolled his final dice, bringing on Erik Nevland for Bobby Zamora and Leon Andreasen for Dickson Etuhu, searching for fresh legs and renewed energy. The home crowd urged them forward, but Chelsea's experience suggested they would manage the closing stages professionally. Then came the 89th minute. Davies positioned himself on the right flank to deliver a corner, the kind of routine set piece that occurs dozens of times every match without consequence. But there was nothing routine about what followed. His delivery curved perfectly toward the back post, and Dempsey—who had been marked diligently all afternoon—timed his run to perfection. Rising above his marker, the American generated tremendous power through his neck and shoulders, directing a bullet header across Cech and into the far corner.
The connection was clean, decisive, unstoppable. Cech barely moved, recognizing immediately that the ball was beyond his reach. For the second time that afternoon, Dempsey had found the net, but this goal carried exponentially more weight than the opener. This wasn't just an equalizer—it was a statement of defiance, a refusal to accept defeat, a physical manifestation of everything Fulham had become under Hodgson. The stadium exploded in pandemonium. Players piled on Dempsey near the corner flag. Hodgson, normally reserved on the touchline, allowed himself a moment of unrestrained emotion. Chelsea's players stood in stunned disbelief, their title hopes suddenly wobbling. Three points had become one in a heartbeat.
"It was a fantastic fighting effort," Hodgson would reflect afterward, his voice tinged with pride. "Over 90 minutes, Chelsea were the better footballing team, but we matched them in so many departments. Credit to our players, they didn't lose their heads, and they managed to score a wonderful late equalizer." Scolari's frustration was palpable. "We had six, seven, eight chances to score and got two. They had two, from free-kicks, and scored twice," he lamented. "We made two dangerous mistakes in our box, and because of that, we've lost two points." The subtext was clear—Chelsea had dominated possession and territory but failed where it mattered most.
For Fulham, the draw extended their unbeaten run to nine matches and kept them firmly in the top half of the table. For Dempsey, the brace validated Hodgson's faith and confirmed his resurrection as a genuine Premier League threat. The American who had started the season as an afterthought was now central to Fulham's identity—a scrappy, opportunistic forward who thrived in the chaos of congested penalty areas. The momentum would carry through the spring. Dempsey added his first FA Cup goal in a February victory over Swansea City and then grabbed another brace in April, dismantling Manchester City 3-1 away from home. By season's end, he had matched Andy Johnson as Fulham's joint-top scorer with seven Premier League goals, each one a brick in the foundation of something extraordinary.
Fulham finished seventh—the highest league position in the club's 111-year history—securing qualification for the newly formed UEFA Europa League. They collected 53 points, an 18-point improvement on the previous campaign. They earned recognition beyond the table: the Fair Play Award, the Behavior of the Public Award, and the Barclays Spirit Award for Hodgson, who had transformed relegation battlers into European contenders in just 18 months. Dempsey's goals against Chelsea—one a moment of improvisation, the other of pure determination—encapsulated the entire improbable journey. That December afternoon, with the winter light fading over the Thames and 25,462 voices hoarse from celebrating, Dempsey had delivered more than just two goals. He'd reminded everyone watching that football's most compelling narratives often belong not to the teams with the largest budgets or most decorated histories, but to those who refuse to accept the limitations others place upon them.
On This Day in 2022, a Boxing Day Moment a Decade in the Making
For Tim Ream, the path to Premier League permanence had been anything but straightforward. The St. Louis native had arrived in England a decade earlier, cutting short his honeymoon in January 2012 to sign for Bolton Wanderers. This romantic sacrifice seemed fitting for a player who would spend the next 10 years proving his devotion to English football. He'd experienced the heartbreak of relegation in his first season, fought his way back to become Bolton's Player of the Year two seasons running, then made the move to Fulham in 2015 with hopes of reaching the Premier League.
Those hopes had been realized, then lost, then realized again. Ream had tasted the top flight briefly during Fulham's 2018-19 campaign, but relegation sent them back down. By December 2022, however, everything had aligned. Fulham had returned to the Premier League as Championship winners, and Marco Silva's side was not just surviving—they were thriving. 19 points from their opening 15 matches had them comfortably mid-table, a remarkable achievement for a newly-promoted side.
At 35 years old, Ream had established himself as an indispensable figure at Craven Cottage. In seven full seasons wearing the white shirt, he'd become the embodiment of Fulham's resilience. Just three weeks earlier, he'd started all four matches as the United States reached the World Cup Round of 16 in Qatar, cementing his status as one of America's most consistent defenders. But for all his accomplishments—the Player of the Year awards at Bolton, the promotion triumphs, the international caps—one thing had eluded him: a goal in England's top division.
On December 26, Crystal Palace presented both opportunity and challenge. The Eagles matched Fulham's point total and had won four of their last seven before the World Cup break, though they'd be without suspended center-back Marc Guehi. For Fulham, there were fitness concerns around Aleksandar Mitrović, Antonee Robinson, and Layvin Kurzawa, but Silva's squad had depth. The sold-out away allocation of 2,687 traveling supporters would make the short journey across South London—on buses, as no trains were running on Boxing Day—to Selhurst Park, hoping to see their side maintain their impressive form.
The match unfolded like a Boxing Day gift unwrapping in stages. Fulham controlled possession from the opening whistle, patient and composed, while Palace struggled to create clear chances despite Michael Olise's occasional moments of brilliance. In the 26th minute, Jordan Ayew struck the crossbar, a warning shot that Palace couldn't capitalize on. Five minutes later, Fulham punished that miss. After intercepting a wayward pass from Joachim Andersen, the visitors struck with devastating efficiency. Mitrović, so often the target of crosses, became the provider with an exquisite delivery from the right that Bobby De Cordova-Reid met with a glancing header into the far corner.
The afternoon turned from difficult to desperate for Palace three minutes later when Tyrick Mitchell received a straight red card for a high tackle on Kenny Tete. Patrick Vieira's side now faced over an hour with 10 men against a Fulham team that had been dominating even at full strength. The second half brought further misery when James Tomkins, making his first Premier League start since the previous Boxing Day, raised his elbow to block Mitrović's run and collected a second yellow card. At nine men, Palace's fate seemed sealed.
Yet the insurance goal Fulham needed hadn't arrived. Mitrović had been denied by excellent saves from Vicente Guaita, and Andreas Pereira had struck the post from a tight angle. The breakthrough came in the 71st minute from the most unexpected source. Pereira's deep corner swung toward the far post, where Mitrović, inevitably, rose highest. The Serbian's header came down perfectly into Ream's path, and the American captain didn't hesitate. He spun sharply and lashed a vicious volley that rocketed into the roof of the net, leaving Guaita with no chance.
The Fulham supporters erupted. Seven years since joining the club and finally—his first Premier League goal. The emotion was written across Ream's face as teammates mobbed him. VAR briefly checked whether Mitrović's header had brushed his arm, but referee Andy Madley took one look at the monitor and confirmed the goal. The away end, packed 20 yards to his left, exploded again in celebration.
"We had a plan, and the players stuck to the plan," Silva would say afterward. "Their home record is very strong, but we were the best team on the pitch and showed the maturity we needed." For Ream, the maturity had been earned over years of Championship battles, relegation fights, and the patience required to rebuild a Premier League career at an age when many defenders are winding down. His goal represented not just three points secured—Mitrović would add a third in the 80th minute with a deft header to seal the 3-0 victory—but validation of the long journey.
The timing couldn't have been better. Just hours after the match, Fulham announced that Ream had signed a contract extension keeping him at the club through the summer of 2024. It was the perfect Boxing Day double: his first Premier League goal and confirmation that his Fulham story would continue.
The season would prove to be one of consolidation and success. Fulham finished tenth in the Premier League—a remarkable achievement for a promoted side—while reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals. Mitrović would finish as top scorer with 14 league goals, but it was the collective strength and experience of players like Ream that provided the foundation for Silva's system. The American made 33 league appearances that season, his steady presence at center-back allowing Fulham's attackers the freedom to flourish.
Ream would go on to extend his Fulham career even further, signing another contract in December 2023 that would keep him at Craven Cottage through 2025. In October 2023, he celebrated his 300th appearance for the club in a win over Sheffield United—a milestone that few foreign players in English football ever reach with a single club. When he finally departed in August 2024, he joined Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on a two-year deal, bringing his nine-year Fulham chapter to a close.
That Boxing Day afternoon at Selhurst Park, with Fulham sitting in the top half of the Premier League table and their captain wheeling away in celebration of a goal a decade in the making, everything felt right. One volley, one moment of pure joy, and one perfect afternoon that captured why Tim Ream had canceled his honeymoon all those years ago to chase an English football dream. It was the kind of goal that makes a career memorable—not for its technical brilliance or tactical importance, but for what it represented: perseverance, loyalty, and the reward that sometimes comes to those patient enough to wait for their moment.
Midfielder Earns First Serie A Start as a Loanee in Win Over Genoa
Yunus Musah finally received a meaningful opportunity in Atalanta colors on Sunday, earning his first Serie A start for the club in their hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Genoa at Marassi. The 23-year-old American midfielder, who turned that age just three weeks ago, partnered effectively with Ederson in the center of the park, completing 90 minutes for the first time since his August move from Milan.
The performance marked a significant breakthrough for Musah, who had managed just 320 minutes across all competitions this season—most of that coming in a September appearance against PSG in the Champions League. Atalanta invested heavily in the New York-born midfielder, paying €5 million for an initial loan with an obligation to buy of €20 million in June.
Manager Raffaele Palladino had praised Musah's training ground attitude and positive mentality in his pre-match press conference, hinting at increased opportunities following an extended acclimatization period. The American delivered with a composed display, completing 53-of-57 passes (93% accuracy), winning six of nine ground duels, and contributing three tackles.
"I'm really happy. I've been waiting for this moment for a while," Musah explained afterward. "I was as happy as if it was my debut."
Isak Hien's 94th-minute header secured the points after Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali's third-minute red card. For Musah, patience and persistence finally paid dividends as he looks to establish himself in Palladino's plans.
Midfielder Records His Second Assist in Three League Matches as Juventus Beats Roma
Weston McKennie's tactical evolution under Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti continues to bear fruit, with the versatile American playing a pivotal role in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Roma at Allianz Stadium. The win moved the Bianconeri to within a single point of fourth place, extending their impressive recent form to six wins in their last seven matches across all competitions.
McKennie's contribution came in the 70th minute when his header forced a save from Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Though the initial effort was stopped, Svilar spilled the rebound, allowing McKennie to lay it off to Lois Openda to tap home Juventus' second goal. The assist marked McKennie's second of the season, adding to his two goals—all four contributions arriving in just the past four weeks.
Former Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni praised Spalletti's innovative deployment of the 27-year-old Texan, calling it something unseen in two decades of Italian football. McKennie operates wide as a right wing-back when Juventus are out of possession, tracking opposing attackers. However, once the Bianconeri have the ball, he transforms into a genuine second striker, cutting inside centrally to create numerical advantages in attack. This tactical fluidity has proven decisive, particularly against top-four rivals Bologna and Roma. McKennie's adaptability continues to showcase why he remains indispensable to both club and country.
