1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays 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
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 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 scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, 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 major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
