1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data 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 solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), 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. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
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 predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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 conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare 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 be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort 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 unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about 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 unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
