1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce 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 (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined 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.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results 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. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “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 sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
