1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. 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), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
