1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent 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 major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
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 sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
