1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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 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 indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed 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 snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention 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 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 match officials 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
