1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term 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 positive results 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 exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
