1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying 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 a little early 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. 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 increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
