1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place 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 ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects 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 deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
