1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. 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 a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
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 was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
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 is a prime example. Their manager 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 ended up drawing. 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 obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
