🔗 Share this article

1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

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 indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain 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 failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 right to question 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 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly