1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over 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. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined 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. The manager outlined 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 top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
