1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (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 evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing 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 reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
