1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 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 might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited 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, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
