1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas 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 by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit 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 glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” 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 constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
