1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. 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 decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season 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 shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions 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 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
