1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – 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. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
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 invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, 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 – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
