1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: 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 solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. 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 all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points 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 somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, 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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined 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 generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
