1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
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 players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “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 nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
