1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests 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 refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions 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 appears relevant. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
