1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). 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, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, 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 conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. 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 create more.” The boss also plans 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. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team 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 campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check 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 doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
