1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt 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 huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
