1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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 – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution 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 likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
