1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
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 in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, 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 monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations 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 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 clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for 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 – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
