1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, 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, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins 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 international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – 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 – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
