1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked 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. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian 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. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
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 precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
