1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
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 team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph 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 two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. 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 a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
