1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” 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 top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 ended up drawing. 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
