1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
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 first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign 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 deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
