1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: 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 sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. 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 maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term 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 equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative 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 particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
