1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. 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 initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested 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 after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator 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 likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
