1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points 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 ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result 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 likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
