1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. 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 (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently 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 just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. 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 create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
