1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period 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 by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory 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 upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
