1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off 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 two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
