1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best 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 Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
