1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen 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 – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park 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. 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 evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
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 decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check 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 doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
