1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. 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, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. 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 assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about 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 is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 obvious foul on the England international. 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 Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
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 increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
