1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger 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 exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 Newcastle’s manager 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
