1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, 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 moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
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 came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
