1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
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 splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect 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 blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
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 spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
