1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern 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 a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
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 explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” 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 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 the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak 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 huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, 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 beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
