1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked 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 the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to 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 superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
