1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” 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 … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
