1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
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 spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
