1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins 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 exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
