1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (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 a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool 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 fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge 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 Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly