1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature 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
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win 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 brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 justified in criticising 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 opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
