1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). 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, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off 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 following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, 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 converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. 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 skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
