1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied 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 Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “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 nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
