1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 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 boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about 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 is a prime example. 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
