1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. 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 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 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 leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming 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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was 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 experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
