1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. 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 festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
