1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, 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 precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
