1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
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 break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
