1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
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 attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature 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
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst 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 … 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. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
