1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, 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 fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, 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 – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, 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. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
