🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest 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 cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, 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 Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season 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 shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming 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 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; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly