1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) 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. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. 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 victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money 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, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best 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 significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
