1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited 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 start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture 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 creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, 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 clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. 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 the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
