1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break 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 fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
