1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
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 spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
