1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare 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 generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
