1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory 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 brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression 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. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
