1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. 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 astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
