🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. 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). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. 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 the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

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 truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly