1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 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 Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
