1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team 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 unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
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 is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” 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 force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
