1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
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 predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering 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 have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament 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 seems a case in point. 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 eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
