1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year 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 distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans 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 excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward 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 significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
