1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is 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. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing 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 will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, 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 an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games 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, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee 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 defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
