1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months 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 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – 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 glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
