1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. 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 began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival 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 Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about 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 probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
