1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. 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, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator 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 significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
