1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: 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 solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. 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). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, 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 these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
