1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. 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 the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
