1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options 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 his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering 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 have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt 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,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
