1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, 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. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
