1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months 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 a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot 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 likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
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 seems a case in point. 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 Howe 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 benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
