1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish 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 all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions 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 had to settle for a point in. 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
