1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. 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 start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
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. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
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 numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, 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 – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
