1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 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 moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed 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, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. 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 generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
