1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago 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 a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
