1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, 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 truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
