1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
