1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
