1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (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 decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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 routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
