1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – 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. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans 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 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 Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions 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 is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
