1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates 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 individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) 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 optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with 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 would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
