1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by 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 diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 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 problematic pattern 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
