1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot 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 probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting 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 relief for the Bees' boss. 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 increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
