1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, 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 managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 correct to highlight 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 defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
