1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 international stars, 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 Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. 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
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. 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 assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 right to question 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
