1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, 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 failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
