1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data 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 collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, 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 secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins 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 talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
