1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising 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 their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
