1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed 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 traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
