1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying 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 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined 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 they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly