1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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 returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park 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 hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period 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 Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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
During the holidays 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 have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty 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 drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
