1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth 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 a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
