1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team 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 a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, 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 good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans 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 huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
