1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying 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 Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation 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, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period 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 featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 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 problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression 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 expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
