1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) 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 went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
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 final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights 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 declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from 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 blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
