1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights 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 he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – 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 glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears 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 the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul 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 defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact 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. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
