1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months 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 a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “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.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
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 the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls 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 overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
