1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. 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 enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
