1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning 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 somewhat premature 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 Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “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's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
