1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
