Saturday, 12 September 2026

Discussion of the award's three stated criteria has sparked disagreement among fans over how much team success should matter relative to individual performance. Comments reveal competing views on whether trophies should be decisive, with some arguing Kane or Yamal deserve it based on both metrics, others contending Mbappé's goalscoring alone is insufficient, and several expressing frustration that the criteria favour players at big clubs.

r/soccer

r/soccer

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Liverpool and Fulham played out a goalless draw in a match that left the home supporters frustrated with familiar issues. Fans spent much of the post-match debate arguing about the midfield's defensive weaknesses and the productivity of some high-profile signings, with particular criticism aimed at recruitment and expectations versus actual performance this season. There was broad disappointment that Liverpool failed to build on recent improvements, with the mood one of resignation rather than anger at how the game itself unfolded.

Crystal Palace 2-3 Ipswich Town

Ipswich came from behind to beat ten-man Palace in a match that saw the hosts' afternoon derailed by a red card to Disasi early in the second half. Despite Palace's efforts to push forward after going down to ten men and mounting a comeback, fans were torn between frustration at the defensive vulnerabilities and a grudging acceptance that manager Pierre Sage's project deserves time to bed in, though the concerning concession tally and the nature of the late defeat left most feeling gutted rather than optimistic.

Chelsea 2-2 Hull City

Chelsea drew 2-2 with newly promoted Hull City in a frustrating afternoon, with fans bemoaning defensive lapses and questioning structural issues with the team's setup. The general mood was one of disappointment at dropped points against opposition Chelsea should have beaten, with particular criticism aimed at individual performances and the left-hand side pairing of Gusto and Neto, though some argued the defence's shortcomings rather than attack were the real issue in a disheartening display.

Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest pulled off a deserved away win at Villa Park with an impressive defensive display and creative attacking play down the right flank, leaving supporters celebrating what many saw as a statement victory at a ground where they've historically struggled. Fans were particularly effusive about the midfield control and contributions from defenders like Aina, though there were some injury concerns to parse through afterwards, and a general sense that this performance proved Forest could compete with the supposed bigger sides in the division.

AFC Bournemouth 2-2 Brentford

Brentford drew with Bournemouth in a scrappy, poorly-played affair that left both sets of supporters divided on whether a point was a decent result or a missed opportunity. The Bees' midfield struggled to control proceedings and their goalkeeper had to work hard to keep them level, though Bournemouth's finishing was equally wasteful; some fans pointed to missing key midfielders as an excuse for the performance, while others felt the team should be pushing for more in fifth place rather than settling for draws.

Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Everton

Tottenham and Everton cancelled each other out in a goalless stalemate that left fans exasperated with both sides' lack of attacking intent. The consensus was that this was tedious to watch, with particular frustration directed at Tottenham's toothless performance at home—managing just two shots on target—and their manager's approach being roundly mocked as defensive and uninspiring. Everton at least tried to compete, but there was little to commend in either team's football or ambition.

Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal ground out a routine 2-0 win over Sunderland, though fans felt the performance was far from convincing and questioned whether the visitors' direct approach had genuinely troubled the midfield. The talking points centred on individual displays rather than the match itself—particularly a late goal that some thought came too little too late from a player who'd been largely ineffective for the vast majority of proceedings.