1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend 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 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
