1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
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 – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, 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 a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark 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 all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with 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 wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally 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 failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
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 came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
