1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined 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.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on 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 13 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly