1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest 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 moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
