1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by 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 moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
