1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests 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 ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak 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 Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from 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 referee 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender 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’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
