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, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended 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, 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 slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – 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 to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
