🔗 Share this article

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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, 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 an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly