1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. 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 in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
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 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 the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
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 dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
