1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
