1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot 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 relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to 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 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
