1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
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 squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. 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 expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
