1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed 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 have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 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 obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
