1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained 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 – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to 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 squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
