1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
