1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), 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 festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 obvious foul 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 leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
