1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. 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 just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. 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 calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken 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 Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
