1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. 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 felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the first time 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 (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. 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. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola 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 recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
