1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – 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 fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss 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 campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
