5 Things We Learned : Gameweek 17

It has been a massive week for football across Europe and Africa, marked by the rise of new stars and the tactical evolution of established giants. From the opening sparks of international competition to the high-stakes drama of domestic leagues, the last seven days have offered a definitive look at the current state of the game. Whether it is the defensive maturation of Barcelona or the competitive pressure building within the England camp, this week has highlighted that consistency and mental toughness are the sport’s most valuable currencies. Here are the 5 things we learned from the past week’s action.

1. The Battle for the England No. 10 Berth is Intense

The race for a starting spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup has intensified into a high-level duel. On Saturday, Jude Bellingham delivered a definitive reminder of his quality during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla. As the Man of the Match, he scored the opener and contributed in quite literally every phase of play to help Madrid to a win in another generally lacklustre performance. Following this, Morgan Rogers issued a resounding response during Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday. Rogers, currently the most in-form attacking midfielder in England, produced a masterclass featuring two brilliant curled goals. Having scored braces in back-to-back games, he is the driving force behind Villa’s 10-game winning streak. While Bellingham remains a world-class standard, Rogers’ current league form is making a starting berth in the national team look more like a probability than a dream.

2. AFCON 2025 Will Be Great

The 35th Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Morocco with an atmosphere that proved the tournament’s shift to a December-January slot has not dampened its spirit. The opening match in Casablanca yesterday between the Atlas Lions and Comoros showcased high technical quality and tactical discipline. Despite a nervy start where Soufiane Rahimi missed a penalty, Morocco secured a 2-0 victory. The highlight of the evening was Ayoub El Kaabi’s stunning overhead kick to seal the win, a strike that has already set a very high bar for “Goal of the Tournament”. If the underdog resilience of Comoros and the clinical flair of Morocco are indicators, this will be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament yet.

3. Newcastle Can’t Hold On To Leads

For Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, the inability to close out matches has become a defining, and frustrating, trait of the season. During Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, the Magpies surrendered a 2-0 halftime lead, with Nick Woltemade having put them ahead early. This was not an isolated incident; it marked the third time in December alone that Newcastle has dropped points from winning positions, following similar collapses against Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham. While Woltemade is proving to be a valuable find in terms of goal-scoring, the team’s recurring defensive lapses in the final 30 minutes of matches are currently keeping them out of the European spots.

4. Barcelona Has Improved Defensively

Hansi Flick appears to have fixed the defensive leaks that saw Barcelona conceding an average of 1.3 goals per game earlier this season. This new-found stability is built on a blend of youth and a reliable new presence in goal. With Andreas Christensen sidelined, the partnership between Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín has matured significantly to become the backbone of the team. Martín’s physicality as a left-sided center-back perfectly complements Cubarsí’s vision and positioning. Furthermore, goalkeeper Joan García has been pivotal; in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Villarreal, he made three world-class saves to ensure a third consecutive clean sheet. This defensive steel has allowed Barça to pull four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

5. Liverpool Can Turn Things Around With The Right Mindset

Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham this weekend suggests that Arne Slot has successfully navigated the squad through their “November slump”. Earlier in the season, the team often lost composure late in games or struggled to defend set pieces, but they showed a different side by holding firm against Spurs despite a chaotic final ten minutes. While fans remain nervous about game management, especially after nearly letting a 9-man Tottenham side back into the match, the ability to grind out results against top-six opposition shows the right mindset is returning. By winning ugly when necessary, Liverpool has moved level on points with the Champions League places, proving they have the resilience to turn their season around.

As AFCON continues to heat up and the European races tighten, these five lessons will likely define the trajectory of the season heading into the new year. From the emergence of defensive stalwarts like Joan García and Gerard Martín to the high-stakes competition for international starting spots, the footballing landscape is shifting rapidly. Consistency and mental toughness have proven to be the most valuable assets for teams looking to sustain a title charge or secure European qualification.