1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused 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 next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 calmness with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
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 joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
