1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained 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 be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
