1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. 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 claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side 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 enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising 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 spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
