1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. 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 seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing 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 the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic 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 talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory 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 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
