1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus 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. The Newcastle boss 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
