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, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
