1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
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 attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined 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.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 right to question a decision made by the referee 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 Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
