1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign 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 flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “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.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish 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 confidence with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period 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 prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly