1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best 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 major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces 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 Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
