1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. 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 Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on 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 want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “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 constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly