1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: 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 collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
