1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
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 managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable 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
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading 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'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. 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? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
