1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – 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 and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels 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. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
