1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
