1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. 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 David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
