1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, 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 began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
