December 2 – Premier League stadiums once again showcased near-capacity crowds, with match week 14 averaging an impressive 98.53% attendance – the third best of the season behind match weeks 1 and 11. Here’s how the weekend unfolded.
Tottenham Hotspur recorded the lowest attendance percentage of the week but still filled an impressive 97.28% of their 62,850-seater stadium. The crowd witnessed a frustrating 1-1 draw against London rivals Fulham, with many rightly expecting a similar display to last week’s 4-0 dismantling of Manchester City.
Meanwhile, West Ham United continue to lead the attendance charts, with the London Stadium packed for the Hammers’ 2-5 loss to a revitalised Arsenal. The unwavering support highlights the loyalty of West Ham’s fanbase even during tough matches as Julian Lopetegui’s West Ham woes sustain.
Manchester United celebrated their highest attendance percentage of the season at 99.34%, coinciding with a resounding 4-0 victory over Everton. The post-Erik Ten Hag era seems to have reignited the Old Trafford faithful, having recorded their highest attendances of the season since the Dutchman’s exit last month.
Elsewhere, Manchester City endured a tough outing at Anfield, where Liverpool dominated in a heated contest. The night’s drama included a “sacked in the morning” chant directed at Pep Guardiola by Liverpool fans, adding spice to a game in which Erling Haaland’s struggles continued. Despite the clash’s blockbuster nature, 1,028 seats were left cold in a game that most would estimate a 99%+ capacity scoring.
Regardless, Liverpool’s ‘Slot Machine’ now place 11 points above holders Manchester City and nine points ahead of second-place Arsenal.
Match week 14 begins on Tuesday with the first round of midweek league matches this season. The action will kick off at Ipswich tomorrow night.
Also penned for midweek are three huge fixtures – Arsenal will host Ruben Amorim’s new-look Manchester United, fifth-place Manchester City will face sixth-placed Nottingham Forest whilst hot-and-cold Newcastle United look to throw a spanner in the works against Liverpool.
Look out for the capacity tracker breakdown later this week that will give a comparison to how evening fixture fare against weekend matches.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1733179690labto1733179690ofdlr1733179690owedi1733179690sni@g1733179690niwe.1733179690yrrah1733179690