1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
