1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended 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 – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales 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 refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
