1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce 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 (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, 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, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, 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, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring 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 controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
