1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, 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. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained 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 generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
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 numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising 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 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge 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 came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
