1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
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 paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
