🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? 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 multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals 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 moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations 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 inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly