1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year 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 festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces 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 joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
