1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior 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. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating 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 the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
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 forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
