1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined 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. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight 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 opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
