1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, 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 highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, 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. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
