1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
