1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They ascended 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 – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (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. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
