1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot 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 ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. 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 initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
