🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data 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 collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

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 the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed 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 Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly