1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win 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 grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. 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 very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
