1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. 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 began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. 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 (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. 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, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign 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 problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. 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 relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, 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; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
