1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest 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, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings 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 overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul 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 past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
