1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for 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 – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
