1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian 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 claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the referee 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
