1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) 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 returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable 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 flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, 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, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
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 failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
