1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
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. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 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 clear obstruction 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 doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
