1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers 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 not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, 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, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
