1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
