1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
