1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. 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 – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. 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 Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
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 indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, 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, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 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 defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
