1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed 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 create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds 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 prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
