1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, 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 check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, 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 the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing 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 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 defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
