
- As usual, Matt Smith’s observations are marked MS
Saturday, December 15
Manchester City 3 Everton 1

MS: Everton have worn all-blue at City in the past, however the reemergence of the home side’s navy socks would necessitate a change. The result was a very Umbro-era-Chelsea-esque look.
I was half-expecting Dennis Wise to appear and launch into a knee-high challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.
Crystal Palace 1 Leicester City 0

This was a first league appearance for Leicester’s white third kit. While it has been criticised for being a straight example of the adidas Regista template – available without the logos for far less – it is still a smart kit.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was ruled out with injury. Hennessey normally wears long sleeves but his replacement Vicente Guaita opted for short.
MS: Rather than utilise their normal away strip, Leicester decided to don the template third kit. It remains to be seen whether a defeat at Selhurst Park will do much to increase last-minute Christmas sales figures and justify this decision.
Huddersfield Town 0 Newcastle United 1

MS: The glorious nature of Newcastle’s reinterpretation of their 1995-96 classic means we can ignore the shorts clash. Well, not ignore, but at least put up with it.
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Burnley 0

MS: Rather than just change their socks, Burnley opted to return to the claret-sky blue-sky blue outfit that had accompanied them as first choice last season. It worked much better for them then.
Watford 3 Cardiff City 2

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Bournemouth 0

Fulham 0 West Ham United 2

Sunday, December 16
Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Chelsea 2

A first outing for the change yellow socks from Chelsea’s second kit.
Southampton 3 Arsenal 2

This was the fourth game where Arsenal have used their third kit in the league – in contrast, the navy second strip was only worn at Fulham.
Liverpool 3 Manchester United 1

MS: It’ll be interesting to hear the reasoning behind United’s choice to wear alternative white socks. If they were going to do it, you’d expect the same colour shorts (like in 1999-2000 and 2009-10) to make it look less obvious.
Didn’t Fulham play West Ham this weekend?
Apologies Matt, you’re correct of course, just added it now!