1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
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 his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears 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 Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. 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 – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
