1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. 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 – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon 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 check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
