1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, 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 managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow 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 could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
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 significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result 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 increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
