1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. 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 astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” 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 excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach 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 long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting 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 joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
