1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. 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 begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, 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 went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying 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 fairly soon 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
