1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – 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 – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
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 came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
