1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, 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 fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
