1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – 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) painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, 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
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
