1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit 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 be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring 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 moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
