1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
