1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently 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 ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading 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 for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
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 exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings 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 seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
