1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales 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 he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. 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 optimal spots, 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 top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial 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 complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight 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 spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
