1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, 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 an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “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 virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
