1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. 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 more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – 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 to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. 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 increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
