1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency 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 single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering 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'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
