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. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), 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 a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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 the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, 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 record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, 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 beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
