1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
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. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. 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 optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
