1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, 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, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break 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 after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. 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 good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check 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 the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, 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 likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
