1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing 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 the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. 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 joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
