1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: 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 collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about 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 – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
