1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. 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 title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
