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, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. 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 an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated 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 world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
