1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. 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. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined 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.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls 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 is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
