1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest 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, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago 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 of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
