1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
