1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth 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 just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, 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, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight 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 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 earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
