1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
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 overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed 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 Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
