1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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 comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “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. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
