1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins 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 talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
