1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, 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 prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for 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 – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
