1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. 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. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls 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 particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
