1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained 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 be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into 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 prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
