1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest 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, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason 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 good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak 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 major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle 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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
