1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. 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 simulating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
