1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker 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
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended 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, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, 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, locating the gaps – 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 to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
