1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier 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 just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories 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 exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
