1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), 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 a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
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 take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
