1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (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: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in 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 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, 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, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on 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 would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing 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 Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
