1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
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 attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift 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 problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best 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 major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. 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 increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
