1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
