🔗 Share this article

1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, 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, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss 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 campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly