1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
