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As 2025 heads toward the finish line, we hope these final days bring you a strong close, a chance to reflect, and momentum heading into what’s next. It’s been a year shaped by big moments, unexpected turns, and stories that reminded us why this sport connects people across borders and communities.

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The Premier League has reached a point in the season where separation at the top remains elusive, and the standings reflect just how tight the race has become. Arsenal returned to the summit on Saturday night by matching Manchester City point for point, keeping a genuine three-horse race alive that also includes a rapidly maturing Aston Villa. City had applied early pressure with a win over Nottingham Forest, but Arsenal answered with a nervy 2–1 victory against Brighton that highlighted both their resolve and the increasingly narrow margins at the top. After 18 matches, the Gunners hold a two-point lead, City remain firmly in pursuit, and Villa are close enough that Tuesday night at the Emirates carries real weight for the direction of the title race.

Arsenal’s performance against Brighton captured the contradictions of their current run. They were dominant for long stretches, went ahead through captain Martin Ødegaard, and forced an own goal from a Declan Rice delivery, all while shuffling personnel due to injuries. Yet they still needed a late, world-class save from David Raya to secure the points. The recent sequence of results tells a similar story: five straight wins in all competitions since losing at Villa Park on December 6, but several achieved with narrow margins, own goals, or penalties rather than sustained attacking fluency. Goals from open play have been hard to come by. Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the concern around striker output, but he has also emphasized the collective response to adversity, highlighting how adaptability and mentality are carrying Arsenal through a congested calendar.

That adaptability will be tested immediately against Villa, a side that have already inflicted damage on Arsenal this season. The 2–1 defeat at Villa Park, sealed by a stoppage-time winner, still lingers, and Arteta has been clear that it offers both lessons and motivation. He has spoken openly about using that memory “in the right manner,” while also giving full credit to Villa’s consistency and structure under Unai Emery. This is not a fleeting hot streak; Villa’s place in the race is earned, and Tuesday’s meeting is as much about belief as it is about tactics.

Villa’s rise has been one of the defining stories of the season. When Emery took over in late 2022, the club was hovering near the relegation zone; three years later, they have matched a 111-year-old club record with 11 consecutive wins and sit just three points off the top. Critics point to low expected goals and spells where opponents dominate possession, but those metrics struggle to capture Villa’s defining traits: resilience, in-game management, and decisive contributions from the bench. Eighteen points won from losing positions and a steady stream of goals from substitutes underline a team that knows how to survive pressure and strike when the moment turns, as shown again in their comeback win at Chelsea.

All of this unfolds with Manchester City lurking, rebuilt around renewed energy and the emergence of creative forces like Rayan Cherki, ensuring that any slip will be punished. Opta still make Arsenal favorites, but their margin has narrowed as City surge and Villa refuse to fade. That context is what elevates Tuesday night beyond a routine league fixture. It is a direct confrontation between two of the three remaining contenders, shaped by recent history, contrasting styles, and the growing sense that the Premier League title will be decided less by dominance and more by who best handles these knife-edge moments over the months ahead.

The Africa Cup of Nations is delivering exactly what it promises as it heads into the decisive third matchday of the group stage: history, tension, and fine margins everywhere you look. Sunday offered one of the tournament’s standout moments as Mozambique claimed their first AFCON victory in 40 years with a thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon in Agadir. Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo, and Diogo Calila finally ended a winless run that stretched back to their 1986 debut, with 42-year-old Elias Pelembe rolling back the years as the emotional leader. For Bangal, currently plying his trade in Italy’s fourth tier, it was a reminder that AFCON remains a stage where unlikely careers and overlooked players can still define the narrative.

Elsewhere, heavyweight tension defined Group F as holders Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon played out a breathless 1–1 draw in Marrakech. Amad Diallo continued his outstanding tournament with a stunning opener, becoming the focal point of nearly every Ivorian attack, while Cameroon again relied on deflection and fortune to stay alive. With four points each, the two traditional powers remain in control of their destiny, but Mozambique’s win has tightened the margins and ensured nothing is settled yet beyond Gabon’s elimination.

In Group E, Algeria became the first side to mathematically secure top spot, edging Burkina Faso 1–0 through a Riyad Mahrez penalty. It was not a comfortable afternoon, and coach Vladimir Petkovic openly acknowledged the resistance his side faced, but Algeria’s control and efficiency have marked them as serious contenders. Behind them, the emotional heartbeat of the tournament continues to beat loudly through Sudan, whose late win over Equatorial Guinea revived knockout hopes and reinforced the Falcons of Jediane as a symbol of unity and perseverance amid unimaginable hardship at home.

Attention now shifts firmly to Monday, with Groups A and B reaching their conclusion. Hosts Morocco face Zambia in Rabat under pressure to match expectation with performance, while Achraf Hakimi has publicly called for unity between players and supporters as the knockout rounds approach. Elsewhere, regional pride and survival collide as Zimbabwe meet South Africa, Egypt look to complete a perfect group against Angola, and Mali put a remarkable unbeaten AFCON group run on the line against Comoros. By Wednesday, the field will be set and the knockout bracket locked, but if the first two matchdays are any indication, AFCON is only just beginning to show its full intensity.

Christian Pulisic’s Career Peak in Milan
Christian Pulisic continues to build what is shaping up as the most productive season of his career, scoring again as AC Milan closed 2025 with a 3–0 win over Hellas Verona. Pulisic now has 10 goals and two assists in 15 matches across competitions, and has been involved in 50 goals since joining Milan, second only to Lautaro Martínez in Serie A over that span. With a home World Cup looming in 2026, his form and centrality to Milan’s attack underline just how important this stretch is for both club and country.

Bay FC Lead Race for Catarina Macario
Bay FC are emerging as the front-runners to bring Catarina Macario back to the NWSL according to the San Francisco Chronicle, with her Chelsea contract expiring this summer and FIFA rules allowing a pre-contract agreement as early as January. Despite leading the USWNT in goals in 2025, Macario has been in and out of the lineup for Chelsea FC Women, fueling speculation about her next move. A return stateside would immediately reshape the NWSL landscape and factor heavily into U.S. planning ahead of 2026.

Chicago Fire Add Proven MLS Production
Chicago Fire FC bolstered their midfield by signing Robin Lod through June 2028 after his long stint with Minnesota United. Lod leaves the Loons as their all-time leading scorer and brings experience, versatility, and consistent end product to a Fire side still searching for identity. For Gregg Berhalter, it is a low-risk move aimed squarely at raising Chicago’s competitive floor.

Luca de la Torre Set for Charlotte Move
Charlotte FC are closing in on a permanent deal for Luca de la Torre, adding a technical, ball-progressing option to their midfield. De la Torre enjoyed a productive year on loan at San Diego FC but faded late, and now sees Charlotte as a fresh pathway back into the national team picture. With the World Cup approaching, this move feels as much about opportunity and fit as it does about form.

Minnesota and Orlando Make Targeted Investments
Minnesota United FC acquired winger Tomás Chancalay from New England in a cash deal that also frees up a DP slot for the Revs. Meanwhile, Orlando City SC invested in the future by signing 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder Luis Otávio under the U22 Initiative. Both moves reflect clubs sharpening roster balance in different ways as the offseason accelerates.

Inter Miami’s South American Preseason Tour
Inter Miami CF will open their 2026 preparations with a high-profile preseason tour through South America, facing Alianza Lima, Atlético Nacional, and Barcelona SC. The trip is as much about competitive testing as global branding, with Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano leading a group expected to remain in the international spotlight. It is a demanding start to a season that will again come with enormous expectations.

FC Cincinnati Track Honduran Teen Talent
FC Cincinnati are in talks to bring 19-year-old Honduran striker Mathías Vázquez into their system, following extensive scouting over the past year. Currently with Motagua, Vázquez’s scoring output at such a young age has drawn attention, though negotiations hinge on transfer terms. It is another example of MLS clubs looking deeper into Central America for long-term attacking upside.

SDH AM is live this morning at 9:05am, with Jon Nelson joined by Abe Gordon and Bart Keeler to break down the weekend’s results across the global game and closer to home. Catch it live on our YouTube, Twitch, or X channels or listen on-demand on our podcast feed starting this afternoon.

Later tonight, Soccer Over There returns at 8pm, diving deeper into AFCON as the group stage reaches its decisive moments, along with plenty more from around the world. We’ll also roll out our latest Picks of the Week, spotlighting the matches and storylines you should have circled before the next ball is kicked.

Celtic Close the Gap in Scotland
Celtic FC came through a chaotic afternoon with a 4–2 win at Livingston, twice responding after falling behind in the opening 10 minutes. Benjamin Nygren scored twice as Celtic trimmed Heart of Midlothian’s lead to three points, helped by Hearts’ loss at Hibernian FC earlier in the day.

Inter Milan End 2025 on Top
Inter Milan head into the New Year leading Serie A after a disciplined 1–0 win at Atalanta, sealed by Lautaro Martínez. The result keeps Inter one point clear of AC Milan and two ahead of Napoli in a tightly packed title race.

Napoli Rebuffed in Mastantuono Inquiry
Napoli’s attempt to secure Franco Mastantuono on loan from Real Madrid has been firmly rejected. Madrid remain committed to keeping the 18-year-old in-house this season after investing heavily to bring him from River Plate.

Miguel Borja Set for Cruz Azul Move
Miguel Borja is expected to complete his move from River Plate to Cruz Azul once his contract expires at the end of December. After an uneven 2025 in Buenos Aires, Borja now looks to reset in Liga MX with a deal running through 2027.

Giakuomakis Interest Could Reshape Cruz Azul
Atlético Mineiro have submitted a bid of around $6.5 million for Giorgos Giakoumakis, whose registration remains with Cruz Azul despite a loan spell at PAOK. A sale would provide a major financial boost and open a key foreign roster slot for the Mexican side during the winter window.

Flamengo Lock In Filipe Luís
Flamengo have secured continuity by renewing head coach Filipe Luís through the end of 2027. The extension clears the way for 2026 squad planning after months of uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.

CT United Name Shavar Thomas as Head Coach
CT United FC have appointed Shavar Thomas as head coach for their inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season in 2026. The former MLS defender brings both regional ties and recent developmental experience from FC Cincinnati 2.

Manchester United Lead England in Club Value
According to the Athletic’s financial estimates, Manchester United remain England’s most valuable club at £4.2–£4.6 billion despite uneven results on the pitch. West Ham United rank next outside the traditional Big Six, though relegation would dramatically impact that valuation.

Paulinho Makes Liga MX History
Paulinho has etched his name into Liga MX history with Toluca, becoming the first player in decades to win consecutive scoring titles and league championships. His form has also put him firmly on the radar of Portugal coach Roberto Martínez ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

As 2025 winds down, the common thread across the game is tension and opportunity. In England, a genuine three-way Premier League race is sharpening by the week, with Arsenal and Aston Villa set for a matchup that could reshape the title picture. Across Africa, AFCON’s group stage is delivering exactly what it promises—history made, giants tested, and everything still to play for as the knockout field comes into focus.

Closer to home, American players and MLS clubs are positioning themselves for a defining year ahead, whether it’s Christian Pulisic hitting new heights in Milan or roster moves already pointing toward 2026. With pressure building, margins shrinking, and storylines converging, the calendar may be turning, but the game is only accelerating.

See y’all tonight on Soccer Over There and in your in-boxes tomorrow for another Morning Espresso.

Jason