1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees 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 relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. 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 joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
