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 nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. 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 scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
