1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results 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 exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests 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 they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” 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 … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
