1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows 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 as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival 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 glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
