1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
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 Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results 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 world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
