1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. 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. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
