1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, 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 collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, 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; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
