1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. 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 all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, 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 an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
