1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans 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 probably endures a extended spell 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 bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect 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 blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
