1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – 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). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
