1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year 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 a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak 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 steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
