1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. 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 home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
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 attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
