1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
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 on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency 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 Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, 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 designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, 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, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to 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 precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
