1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. 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 Old Trafford, 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 returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
