1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, 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 converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured 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 Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous 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 ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
