1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, 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, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears 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 snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
