1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, 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, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
