1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
