1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to 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 fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. 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 eventually tied. 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 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 defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, 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; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
