1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker 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 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by 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 intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
