1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: 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 solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. 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 hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed 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 be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
