1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. 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 win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – 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 and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
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 exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
