1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained 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 be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 on-field referee and VAR 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 opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
