1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. 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 in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) 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. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
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 final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends 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. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of 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's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, 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 truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
