1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest 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 Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts 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
