1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) 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 there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third 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 surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed 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 have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
