1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
