1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also 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. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
