1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. 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 be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
