1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
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 managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side 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 hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing 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 reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
