1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
