1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets 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 take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results 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 elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed 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 be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds 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 £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
