1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge 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 expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
