1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief 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 truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly