1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). 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, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, 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. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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 Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions 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. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. 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 the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
