1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, 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 secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, 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 invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. 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 relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
