1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: 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 cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term 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 victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
