1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 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. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – 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 to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls 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 is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
