1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, 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 solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row 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 (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
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 attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading 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'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
