1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also 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
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? 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 intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. 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; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
