1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising 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 Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. 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 the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
