1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes 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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. 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, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
