1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. 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). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest 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 solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended 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 debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
