1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box 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 were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed 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 quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
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 squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
