🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money 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 boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly