1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained 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.” 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. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, 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 lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
