1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, 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 be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose 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 converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous 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 problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
