1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – 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 wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to 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. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings 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. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
