As we approach the glistening festive period, it's time for the Premier League's annual audit of those who have been naughty or nice throughout the year. Amid the season's hustle and bustle, some players might be more likely to find coal rather than presents in their stockings due to their on-pitch antics.
Leading the charge on the naughty list is a surprising name, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Despite his position as a winger, Semenyo has not shied away from contact, racking up a staggering 70 fouls across the Premier League in 2025, making him a joint leader in this less coveted statistic alongside Fulham's Sasa Lukic. Lukic, a renowned battler in the midfield, shares the top spot, confirming that the gritty nature of their roles often leads to frequent fouls.
The list of those who have been frequently reprimanded includes some notable midfield enforcers. Chelsea's Moises Caicedo leads the way with 11 yellow cards, the highest in the league this year. He's a crucial player but his aggressive style comes at a cost. Hot on his heels are several players who have reached the 10-card mark, including Lukic, West Ham's Lucas Paqueta, Leeds United's Tyler Adams, and Newcastle’s own Elliot Anderson and Andre. These players' aggressive styles are vital to their teams but have certainly caught the referee's eye more often than they might like.
On the flip side, Tino Livramento has emerged as the saint of the league. The full-back has been a beacon of fair play with only seven fouils committed in an entire year, making him the leader of the nice list among regular starters. Close behind, with gentle play, is Everton’s Alex Iwobi who has also shown commendable discipline on the pitch.
It's fascinating to see how even the most skilled can sometimes get caught up in the heat of the moment, and how under-the-radar players like Livramento demonstrate consistency and fairness. As we edge closer to the year's end and the stakes get higher, it'll be intriguing to see if these patterns hold.
Next up, we have Newcastle roaring into their next fixtures, carrying hopes of silverware aloft. Who knows, perhaps this season will be added to the chronicles of their storied and historic triumphs against the odds!
And to wrap up with a jolly note to our rivals - Why did the Sunderland fan sit in the last rows at the Stadium of Light? Because the further away, the less painful it is to watch the defeat! Here's to a triumphant New Year, and hopefully, one where the Toons continue their march to glory!
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike Alexander Isak
To Play!
