1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins 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 international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial 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 contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
