🔗 Share this article

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit 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 hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature 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 the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” 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 top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 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 leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly