1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man 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 entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, 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; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
