1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago 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 problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
