1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured 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 (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
