1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, 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 secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined 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 generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
