1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term 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 designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. 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 Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
