1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. 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 of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
