1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. 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 initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
