1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt 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 major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming 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. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
