1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, 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 win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
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 movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
