🔗 Share this article

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 nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – 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 for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. 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 assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly