1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place 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 a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
