1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest 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 quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes 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 lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
