1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), 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 an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials 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 defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
