1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – 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) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. 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 Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. 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 first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
