1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods 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 hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the referee 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
