1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: 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, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. 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 win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading 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 will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
