1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
