1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve 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 forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 right to question 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
