1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry 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 could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
