1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
