1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off 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 unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
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 players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 on-field referee and VAR 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 defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
