1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. 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 optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
