1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery 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 Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months 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 Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained 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 generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. 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 converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot 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 sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
