1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) 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 there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa 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 influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose 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 a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
