1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire 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 decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
