1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over 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 their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival 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 evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results 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 talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
