1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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 City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
