1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
