1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
