1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes 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 monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “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.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. 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 Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for 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 only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
