1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, 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 converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check 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 very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
