1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (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. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier 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 problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following 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. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels 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 – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
