1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing 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 right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. 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; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
