1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago 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. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions 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 failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
