1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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 slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
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 his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
