1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. 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 these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to 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 brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
