1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “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 will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial 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 debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
