1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). 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 games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
