1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily 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 looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
