1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected 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 sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results 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 international stars, 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 indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, 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 looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
