1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 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 individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift 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 whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
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 unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
