1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results 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 world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “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.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
