1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates 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, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed 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). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
