1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
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 final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
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. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
