1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models 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, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen 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 – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 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 failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign 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 problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
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 invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for 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 solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. 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 increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
