1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: 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 solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – 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 for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest 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 quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
