1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
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 intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
