1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager 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 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
