1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, 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 blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed 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 create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
