1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months 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 holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign 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 flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – 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 for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss 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 ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
