1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? 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 – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 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 moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won 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 (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. 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. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans 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 top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
