1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” 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
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games 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, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend 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 right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. 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; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
