1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak 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). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming 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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
