1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, 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 games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests 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 the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions 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 seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee 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 leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
