1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
