1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data 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, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
