1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials 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 doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
