1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 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 individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal 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 movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
