1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to 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 fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
