1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
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 final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with 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 would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
