1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, 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, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign 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 problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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 check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention 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 unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming 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 joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
