🔗 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 nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, 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 good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained 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 generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, 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 record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly