🔗 Share this article

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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time 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 (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, 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 the very purpose 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 converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak 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 huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect 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 obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly