1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
