1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
