1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained 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 generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 ended up drawing. 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “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 nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
