1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating 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 ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
