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, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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 – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
