1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed 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 comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. 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 decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. 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, like an arrival. This was exactly what 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 clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 referee 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
