1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. 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 managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods 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 key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “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 have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager 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 extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. 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 notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
