1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian 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. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place 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 ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort 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 break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, 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 picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
