1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (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. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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 the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. 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 fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
