1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term 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 flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
