1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit 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 brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
