1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager 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 significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “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 strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
