1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton 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 Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, 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 a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss 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 heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
