1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
