1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
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 came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
