🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: 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 solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. 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 beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly