1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. 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 had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points 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 victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
