1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – 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 highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
