1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
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 overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” 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 excellent.”
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 break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team 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 tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
