1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in 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 managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
