1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights 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 they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break 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
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, 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 long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 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 costly trend following his side’s collapse from 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
