1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating 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 their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, 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 calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
