1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions 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 appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. 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 the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
