1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable 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 just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with 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 virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
