1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, 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 failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic 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 talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” 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 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 exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge 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 their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
