1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – 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: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
