1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: 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, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months 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 distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon 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 the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. 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 confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
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 significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
