1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth 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 a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring 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 lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
