1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason 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 boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. 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 first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
