1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team 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 tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, 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, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes 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 diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
