1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture 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 unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, 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 record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
