1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), 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, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “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.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, 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, like an arrival. 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 assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament 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 appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing 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 right to question 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 benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
