1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends 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 top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
