1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest 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, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, 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 designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed 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
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
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 precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
