1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable 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 savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
