1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, 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. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period 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 featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by 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 intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. 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 truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
