1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months 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 Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season 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. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
