1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting 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 looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
