15 things we loved this weekend: Arteta, Osimhen, Hodgson, Keane…

Planet Football • 18 Dec 2023

Forget Liverpool and Manchester United’s goalless draw – there was plenty of footballing fun to be had this weekend if you knew where to look.

Arsenal moved back to the Premier League summit, but Mikel Arteta’s touchline antics stole the headlines. At the Etihad, Roy Hodgson thoroughly enjoyed Palace stealing a point from Manchester City.

There were plenty of thrills and spills elsewhere, including a sad-looking Santa at Celtic Park and the best-looking away day spread we’ve seen in yonks.

We’ve collected together 15 moments from the weekend that made our hearts sing.

Victor Osimhen

One of those assists that render the actual goalscorer forgotten.

OSIMHEN WITH A SPECTACULAR ASSIST!

The game in Naples has come to life, with 3⃣ goals in 7⃣ minutes! pic.twitter.com/tYCrAE98sd

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 16, 2023

Roy Hodgson

Savouring one of life’s little victories.

https://twitter.com/UTD_FOREVER_7/status/1736082261290754313

Olivier Giroud

Naughty.

https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1736373946591654025

Roy Keane

This made for brilliant television.

https://twitter.com/mufcMPB/status/1736462915362779287

Nahuel Guzman

This Mexican goalkeeper couldn’t accept being sent-off and hid under a carpet instead.

JJAJAJAJAJAJAJA VETE ALV CON NAHUEL GUZMAN. QUE VERGA HACE????!!!!😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/0g1J0T5aGB

— Carlos Lamb (@CarlosLamb_) December 18, 2023

Raul Jimenez

Somebody clearly wanted Christmas off…

Raul Jimenez is sent off for a WILD challenge on Sean Longstaff 😳❌ pic.twitter.com/0grIxj3Frh

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 16, 2023

Lucas Paqueta

Absolute baller. West Ham will do well to keep hold of him…

Lucas Paquetá is the first player to provide 3+ assists in a Premier League game for West Ham since Michail Antonio in January 2017. 🎩 pic.twitter.com/2oSsdTjUup

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 17, 2023

Ian Wright

It’s going to be an emotional goodbye.

After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season. I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world. pic.twitter.com/aHRK0CmNJH

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) December 17, 2023

Mikel Arteta

The guy knows no chill.

God I love Arteta man😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/pgBPEqTqXk

— Del Boy🍻☘️🇮🇪 (@FartInTheBath) December 17, 2023

John Koutroumbis

Superb.

An 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 back-heel clearance on the goal line saves the day for @Perthgloryfc 🤯 HOW did the ball stay out here?!

An incredible effort from John Koutroumbis prevents @NewcastleJetsFC from scoring a second 👏❌

Details: https://t.co/Vy9ECmnrZn

Catch all the action on… pic.twitter.com/U1bM9ODnAO

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) December 16, 2023

Takuma Asano

Waste not, want not.

When Union Berlin fans threw chocolate money onto the field, protesting Bundesliga plans to bring in private-equity investment, Bochum's TAKUMA ASANO ate some. 😋

Sugar rush worked wonders as Japan forward scored shortly after. 💥https://t.co/Yz2c0lA6il

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 17, 2023

Fulham’s away day spread

Godspeed, gentlemen.

Fulham fans in the festive spirit as they make the trip up to Newcastle today🥂 pic.twitter.com/k8t3EOiPCm

— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) December 16, 2023