1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win 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 winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
