1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral 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 significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, 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. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
