1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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 – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man 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 the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature 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
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. 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. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
