1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. 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 evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated 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 international stars, while leaving talented players 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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
