1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) 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 solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, 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 victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
