1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (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. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team 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 prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
