1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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 went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee 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 opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
