1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data 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 collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. 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, the manager has yet to solve 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
