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 persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check 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 leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming 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 first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
