1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
