1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. 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 a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, 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 ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – 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 fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 penalty 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? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly