1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained 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 be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
