1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans 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 major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
