1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win 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 winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” 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 … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
