1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve 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 opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
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 significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend 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 blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “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 strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy 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 – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
