1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, 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 cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
