1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. 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 secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on 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 want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from 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 on-field referee and VAR 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “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 … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with 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 – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
